Cost of Living in Xiamen
How much does it cost to visit Xiamen? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Frank McKenna / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
CNY 300
per day
Weekly: CNY 2100
Monthly: CNY 9000
Examples
- 🏨Xiamen Youth Hostel dorm bedCNY 80
- 🍽️Local street food at Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (e.g., oyster omelet, peanut soup)CNY 80
- 🚌Unlimited day pass for Xiamen busesCNY 15
- 🎟️Explore Gulangyu Island (ferry ticket included)CNY 70
- 🎟️Visit Xiamen University groundsCNY 0
- 🎟️Wander through Shapowei Art ZoneCNY 0
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
CNY 600
per day
Weekly: CNY 4200
Monthly: CNY 18000
Examples
- 🏨Xiamen Relax Inn private roomCNY 200
- 🍽️Lunch at A-Yong Zai Noodles (specialty noodle soup)CNY 60
- 🍽️Dinner at Xiao Long Kan Hot Pot (individual portion)CNY 120
- 🚌Taxi rides for convenienceCNY 100
- 🎟️Visit the South Putuo Temple and its surroundingsCNY 20
- 🎟️Explore the charming streets and cafes of Gulangyu IslandCNY 100
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
CNY 1500
per day
Weekly: CNY 10500
Monthly: CNY 45000
Examples
- 🏨The Westin Xiamen roomCNY 800
- 🍽️Fine dining lunch at Jade (Cantonese cuisine)CNY 300
- 🍽️Gourmet seafood dinner at a restaurant near the coastCNY 500
- 🚌Private car hire for the dayCNY 200
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Gulangyu Island, including its historical sitesCNY 150
- 🎟️Enjoy a spa treatment at the hotelCNY 50
Cost by Category
accommodation
100-300 (hostel/budget hotel) / 300-800 (mid-range) / 800+ (luxury)
food
80-150 (street food/local eateries) / 150-300 (restaurants)
Transport
20-50 (public transport/short rideshares)
activities
50-200 (entry fees/boat trips)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulangyu Island | Mid-range | Slightly higher due to tourist focus | couples, culture |
| Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street | Budget | Average | first-timers, foodies |
| Huli | Budget | Lower | digital nomads, business travelers |
| Siming District (Coastal Area) | Mid-range | Slightly higher for beachfront properties | families, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Xiamen
🏨 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: Xiamen Costs
How much does it cost to visit Xiamen?
Budget travellers can visit Xiamen for around CNY 300/day (CNY 2100/week). Mid-range travellers should budget CNY 600/day, while luxury travel costs around CNY 1500/day.
Is Xiamen expensive?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Xiamen, budget CNY 600/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 Xiamen?
Budget travellers in Xiamen 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.