Cost of Living in Xi’an
How much does it cost to visit Xi’an? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Florian Wehde / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
CNY 300
per day
Weekly: CNY 2100
Monthly: CNY 9000
Examples
- 🏨Hostel dorm bed at Shuyuanmen Youth HostelCNY 60
- 🍽️Roujiamo (meat burger) and Liangpi (cold noodles) from a street vendorCNY 20
- 🚌Unlimited day pass for Xi'an MetroCNY 15
- 🎟️Entrance ticket to the Terracotta Army MuseumCNY 120
- 🎟️Visit the Great Mosque of Xi'an (entrance fee)CNY 25
- 🍽️Dumplings at De Fa Chang Restaurant (budget section)CNY 60
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
CNY 700
per day
Weekly: CNY 4900
Monthly: CNY 21000
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at Hanting Hotel (near Bell Tower)CNY 250
- 🍽️Lunch at Yangrou Paomo (lamb noodle soup) restaurant on Muslim QuarterCNY 70
- 🚌Taxi rides for convenienceCNY 100
- 🎟️Entrance ticket to the Terracotta Army Museum with audio guideCNY 150
- 🎟️Bicycle rental to cycle on the Xi'an City WallCNY 50
- 🍽️Dinner at a mid-range restaurant trying Shaanxi cuisineCNY 130
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
CNY 1500
per day
Weekly: CNY 10500
Monthly: CNY 45000
Examples
- 🏨Deluxe room at Sofitel Legend Peoples Square Xi'anCNY 1000
- 🍽️Fine dining experience at a restaurant in the hotel or a reputable local establishmentCNY 300
- 🚌Private car service for the dayCNY 300
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Terracotta Army MuseumCNY 400
- 🎟️Evening performance of the Tang Dynasty Show with dinnerCNY 350
Cost by Category
accommodation
100-300 CNY (hostel/budget hotel)
food
80-200 CNY (street food to mid-range restaurants)
Transport
20-50 CNY (metro/bus)
activities
100-250 CNY (entry fees, tours)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter | Mid-range | at center | first-timers, foodies |
| South Gate Area (Yongning Gate) | Luxury | slightly above center | first-timers, couples |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda Area | Mid-range | slightly further from center | families, culture |
Money-Saving Tips for Xi’an
🏨 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
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FAQ: Xi’an Costs
How much does it cost to visit Xi’an?
Budget travellers can visit Xi’an for around CNY 300/day (CNY 2100/week). Mid-range travellers should budget CNY 700/day, while luxury travel costs around CNY 1500/day.
Is Xi’an expensive?
Xi’an is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least CNY 300/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Xi’an?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Xi’an, 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 Xi’an?
Budget travellers in Xi’an can get by on CNY 300/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.