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

Should you visit Bali or Harbin?

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 Harbin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bali or Harbin?

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.

Harbin

Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.


Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Bali?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $85, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $66. 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 Harbin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $40
    Harbin $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $80
    Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Bali and Harbin

Looking for a hotel in Bali or Harbin? 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 Harbin


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 $8.68
    Harbin $1.52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

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


  • Motorbike Rental
    $2.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Denpasar HTL-APT(DPS) : $8.88
  • Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Ride Bali ATV Adventure Ticket And Transfer: $34
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $32
  • Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
  • LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58
  • Denpasar Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $25
  • Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $72
  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $115
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin

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

  • Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
  • Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
  • Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
  • Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
  • Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
  • 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
  • Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
  • Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
  • Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
  • Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
  • Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Harbin?

Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $34
    Harbin $24
Typical Food Prices in Bali

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


  • Coffee
    $1.19
  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $26
  • Lunch for Two
    $7.75
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.59
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

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

  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $36
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $40
  • South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
  • Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
  • Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
  • Bali Street Food Tour: $65
  • Sidemen Cooking Class: $77
  • Pure Bali Village Experience, Cooking & Jamu Class+VIP Transfer: $89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin

For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
  • Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
  • Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
  • Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
  • Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $10
    Harbin $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

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


  • Spa for Two
    $52
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $27

Tours and Activities in Bali

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

  • Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $55
  • Legendary Scenic Spots Of Nusa Penida Private Guided Day Tour: $37
  • Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
  • Ubud Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $45
  • 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
  • 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
  • Alas Harum Bali Cretya Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Swing Ticket: $25
  • Amazing Private Tour: Lempuyang temple, Tirta gangga, Tukad cepung waterfall: $60
  • Bali ATV Adventure: $61
  • Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure and Snorkeling Tour: $99
  • Bali Benoa Shore Excursion for Cruise's Passenger - All Inclusive: $49
  • Bali Instagram Tour : The Most Popular Spots In Bali: $62

Tours and Activities in Harbin

For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Harbin Ice and Snow World Ticket Booking: $51
  • Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
  • Harbin Summer Indoor Ice and Snow World Tour: $136
  • Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
  • Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
  • 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
  • Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
  • Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
  • Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
  • Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
  • Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
  • Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum and Sites in Harbin: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $3.07
    Harbin $7.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin

Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bali or Harbin?

Harbin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Harbin, 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 Harbin?

Harbin 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 Harbin in the Summer?

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

Bali is a little warmer than Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Harbin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Harbin. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.


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

Should I visit Bali or Harbin in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In October, Bali usually receives more rain than Harbin. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Harbin 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Bali or Harbin in the Winter?

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

Harbin can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bali 26°C (79°F) 
    Harbin -18°C (-0°F)

Should I visit Bali or Harbin in the Spring?

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

Bali is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Bali usually receives more rain than Harbin. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Harbin 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Harbin and Bali

Bali Harbin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -18°C (-0°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -14°C (7°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -3°C (26°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -4°C (24°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -14°C (7°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)