Cost of Living in Beijing
How much does it cost to visit Beijing? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Zhang Kaiyv / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
CNY 350
per day
Weekly: CNY 2450
Monthly: CNY 10500
Examples
- 🏨Leo Hostel private roomCNY 150
- 🍽️Jianbing from a street vendor, Baozi from a local shopCNY 50
- 🚌Beijing Subway Day PassCNY 15
- 🎟️Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City (basic ticket)CNY 60
- 🎟️Temple of Heaven ParkCNY 35
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
CNY 700
per day
Weekly: CNY 4900
Monthly: CNY 21000
Examples
- 🏨Park Plaza Beijing Science ParkCNY 350
- 🍽️Lunch at Quanjude Roast Duck (half duck)CNY 200
- 🚌Didi (ride-sharing) for a few tripsCNY 100
- 🎟️Great Wall of China tour (Mutianyu section, including cable car)CNY 250
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
CNY 1500
per day
Weekly: CNY 10500
Monthly: CNY 45000
Examples
- 🏨The Peninsula Beijing suiteCNY 1000
- 🍽️Dinner at TRB Hutong (tasting menu)CNY 600
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayCNY 400
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Forbidden City and Summer PalaceCNY 500
Cost by Category
accommodation
100-300 CNY (hostel/budget hotel)
food
100-250 CNY (street food to mid-range)
Transport
30-60 CNY (subway/bus)
activities
120-200 CNY (temple entries, small tours)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dongcheng (Wangfujing & Forbidden City Area) | Mid-range | Average | first-timers, culture |
| Haidian (Wudaokou & Universities Area) | Budget | Below Average | solo travelers, budget |
| Chaoyang (Sanlitun & CBD) | Luxury | Above Average | nightlife, luxury |
| Xicheng (Financial Street & Hutongs) | Mid-range | Average | culture, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Beijing
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
Find the best hotel deals in Beijing
Compare prices from CNY 350/night across thousands of hotels.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Beijing?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
FAQ: Beijing Costs
How much does it cost to visit Beijing?
Budget travellers can visit Beijing for around CNY 350/day (CNY 2450/week). Mid-range travellers should budget CNY 700/day, while luxury travel costs around CNY 1500/day.
Is Beijing expensive?
Beijing is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least CNY 350/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Beijing?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Beijing, budget CNY 700/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Beijing?
Budget travellers in Beijing can get by on CNY 350/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.