Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Xigatse?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Xigatse or Katoomba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xigatse and Katoomba can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Xigatse or Katoomba?
Xigatse
The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.
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Xigatse Prices
China PricesKatoomba Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $80Katoomba $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $80, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Xigatse and Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $28Katoomba $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $56Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Katoomba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xigatse $13Katoomba $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba and Xigatse change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayXigatse $41Katoomba $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Katoomba $54
Tours and Activities in Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Beauty of the Blue Mountains Private Tour: $853
- Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $251
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $99
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Blue Mountains Day Tour With Bushwalks, Waterfalls & Featherdale: $126
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
- Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $221
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.20Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Xigatse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xigatse is in Asia and Katoomba is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Xigatse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xigatse and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Xigatse.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xigatse Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Katoomba?
Xigatse has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Katoomba, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.