A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Dalian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bali or Dalian?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Dalian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bali or Dalian?

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Bali?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $76, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $106. 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 Bali and Dalian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $43
    Dalian $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $86
    Dalian $112
Compare Hotels in Bali and Dalian

Looking for a hotel in Bali or Dalian? 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.

Hotels in Bali


Hotels in Dalian


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: Bali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bali $9.40
    Dalian $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $3.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Paragliding In Bali With Private Hotel Transfer: $140
  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $109
  • BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $103
  • West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
  • Drive Your Own Jet Ski Without Instructor With Private Transfer: $85
  • Unforgettable Batur Volcano Hiking With Private Transfer: $85
  • Batur Volcano Jeep Tour Include Private Transfer: $80
  • Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Horse Riding on the Black Sand Beach and Free Hotel Transfers: $74
  • Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $70
  • Bali to/from Gili Gede: Fast Boat (Optional Bali Transfer): $66
  • Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Dalian?

Prices for flights to both Dalian and Bali 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 day
    Bali $21
    Dalian $28
Typical Food Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.29
  • Lunch for Two
    $14
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $28
  • Lunch for Two
    $8.40
  • Lunch for 2
    $9.30
  • Dinner for 2
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.

  • Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
  • ​​The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $30
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $30
  • Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
  • Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
  • Amazing Private Tour-Uluwatu Kecak Dance and Romantic Seafood Dinner: $33
  • Traditional Dinner with visit to Ubud Night Market: $34
  • From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
  • Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
  • Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
  • Padang-Padang Beach+ Uluwatu Sunset and Kecak Dance + Dinner: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $11
    Dalian $4.91
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $56
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $13
  • Cooking School
    $29

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Lembongan Snorkeling and Island Tour: $80
  • Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive): $129
  • Tanah Lot, Padang Beach, Uluwatu Sunset, & Kecak Dance Tour: $55
  • (BCR Rafting) Rafting Adventure in Telaga Waja River 18km: $55
  • 2 Days Private Tours : Watersport And Uluwatu Temple: $124
  • 2-Hour Private Luxury Spa Experience Bali Aromatherapy Massage: $65
  • 3 Days Full Day Tours Tanah Lot Temple The Gate Of Heaven Temple: $300
  • 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
  • 30 minutes tandem Paragliding tours in Bali with free photo/video: $185
  • 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
  • 6-Hour White Water Rafting and Kanto Lampo Waterfall Private Tour: $79
  • ATV Rock Adventure with Uluwatu Temple : $35

Tours and Activities in Dalian

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $3.33
    Dalian $6.48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian than you might in Bali.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Dalian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bali or Dalian?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Dalian, 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.


When is the best time to visit Bali or Dalian?

Dalian has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Dalian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Dalian. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Bali is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Dalian averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Dalian. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Dalian. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Dalian 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bali or Dalian in the Autumn?

Both Dalian and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.

In October, Bali is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In October, Bali usually receives more rain than Dalian. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Dalian 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Bali or Dalian in the Winter?

Both Dalian and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. Bali is much warmer than Dalian in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bali 26°C (79°F) 
    Dalian -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Bali or Dalian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Dalian averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In April, Bali usually receives more rain than Dalian. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. April to September in Bali is the dry season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Dalian 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Dalian and Bali

Bali Dalian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)