Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBali $76Harbin $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $76, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $56. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $43Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $86Harbin $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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $9.40Harbin $1.54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Ubud: Sky Bike Adventure, Swing & Rice Terrace with Transfer: $52
- Ubud Highlight Private Tour with Transfer: $56
- Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
- Sanur Bali to/from Lembongan: Speedboat Transfer: $16
- Private transfer: Uluwatu to Bali Airport (DPS): $15
- Private transfer: Nusa Dua to Bali Airport (DPS): $17
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $31
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
- Private Airport Transfer and Others: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin Airport, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province Transfer Service: $27
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $40
- 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 Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private Transfer to China's Snow Town from Yabuli Ski Resort: $107
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $117
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
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Food Meals for one dayBali $21Harbin $14
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.29
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$28
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Lunch for Two$8.40
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Lunch for 2$9.30
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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.
- The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $29
- 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
- Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $34
- Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
- Padang-Padang Beach+ Uluwatu Sunset and Kecak Dance + Dinner: $45
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
- Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
- Evening Bali Mangrove Canoe Tour with Dinner: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Private City and Food Tour: $200
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bali $11Harbin $54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$56
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Snorkelling Trip$13
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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
- Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
- Tanah Lot, Padang Beach, Uluwatu Sunset, & Kecak Dance Tour: $55
- (BCR Rafting) Rafting Adventure in Telaga Waja River 18km: $55
- 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
- 6-Hour White Water Rafting and Kanto Lampo Waterfall Private Tour: $79
- ATV Tour Through Fun Zone and Scenic Trek: $35
- Alas Harum Bali Cretya Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Swing Ticket: $25
- Amazing Day Tour: Highlights of Ubud Village Hidden Waterfall: $29
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice Festival /Harbin Ice and Snow World Entrance Ticket: $100
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- 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 Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Small Group Tour to Harbin Siberian Park Tiger: $200
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
- Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum and Sites in Harbin: $218
- Songhua River Boat Tour and Food Experience in Harbin: $230
- Revolving Restaurant Dining Experience at Harbin Dragon Tower: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBali $3.33Harbin $8.05
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.