Which place is cheaper, Taupo or Xigatse?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Xigatse or Taupo?
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 Taupo 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 Taupo?
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.
Taupo
Taupo is a town located in the center of the North Island, situated on the shores of Lake Taupo, which is New Zealand's largest lake. It is also the caldera of the Taupo Volcano. It has a population of 23,700 people and is visited by many people interested in fishing, boating, and other water activities. There are many hiking and biking trails that take you around the water as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
-
Xigatse Prices
China PricesTaupo Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $80Taupo $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $80, while the average daily cost in Taupo is $128. 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 Taupo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $28Taupo $62
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $56Taupo $124
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Taupo
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Taupo? 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: Taupo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xigatse $13Taupo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taupo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Taupo:
- Tongariro Crossing : 2 Day PRIVATE TRANSFER Leaving AUCKLAND: $1,101
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Taupo?
Prices for flights to both Taupo 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
-
Food Meals for one dayXigatse $41Taupo $41
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Taupo $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Taupo
Here are a few typical costs in Taupo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Bungy Jumping$151
-
Jet Boating$56
Tours and Activities in Taupo
Here are a few actual costs in Taupo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chasing Waterfalls The Adventurer from Kinloch Marina: $161
- Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo: $35
- Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Candy Cottage: $22
- Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin: $22
- Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge: $22
- Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvelous Circus: $22
- Great Lake Trail Lake Taupo 2-Day Mountain Biking Tour: $95
- Lake 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise: $34
- Lake Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
- Lake Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
- Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp: $30
- Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.20Taupo $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Taupo
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Taupo from other travelers:
-
Wine$5.03
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Taupo, we can see that Taupo 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 Taupo 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 Taupo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Taupo?
Xigatse has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Taupo, 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.