A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Guangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bandung or Guangzhou?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Guangzhou? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bandung or Guangzhou?

Bandung

Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Bandung?

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 Bandung is $45, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $110. 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 Bandung and Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bandung $19
    Guangzhou $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bandung $38
    Guangzhou $122
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Guangzhou? 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 Bandung


Hotels in Guangzhou


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: Bandung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bandung $5.15
    Guangzhou $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung

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

  • Bandung Airport (BDO) to Cipanas - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Bandung Airport BDO to Bandung or Lembang Arrival Transfer: $47
  • Bandung Airport BDO to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $94
  • Bandung or Lembang to Jakarta Airport CGK Departure Transfer: $70
  • Cipanas to Bandung Airport (BDO) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Door-to-Door Transfer Between CGK Jakarta Airport to Bandung City: $106
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Braga: $36
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciamis: $153
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Cihanjuang Rahayu: $36
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Cihideung: $36
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Cikole: $153
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciumbuleuit: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
  • Private transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to hotel: $33
  • Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $189
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $171
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $189
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $45
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
  • Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
  • Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou South Railway Station: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Bandung 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
    Bandung $22
    Guangzhou $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bandung

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

  • Indonesian Cooking Class with Welcoming Exotic Fruits: $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

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

  • Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
  • Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
  • Guangzhou Night Walking and Food Tour: Led by Local Cantonese: $82
  • Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
  • Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
  • Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit: $165
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bandung $5.07
    Guangzhou $19

Tours and Activities in Bandung

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

  • The heart of Bandung and Grand Mosque Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Bandung Old Town: A Historic City Square Walking Tour: $16
  • Private Guide Bandung Tour Car Charter: $35
  • Kawah Putih Tour From Bandung City: $36
  • Bandung Volcano Sightseeing and Hot Spring Private Tour: $41
  • Tangkuban Parahu Volcano & Surrounding Areas Tour: $44
  • Private Tour: White Crater, Tea Plantation & Rengganis Hot Spring: $45
  • Bogor ,west Java Tour: $50
  • Private Tour to Bandung Volcano Hot Springs and Mud bathing: $52
  • Bandung Tour Volcano, Hotsprings, Mud, Tea, Lunch all Included: $55
  • Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including: $56
  • Private: Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $58

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Relaxing Exploring Tour in Guangzhou: $156
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
  • 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
  • 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience: $118
  • 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
  • Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
  • Ancient Water Village Folk Houses and Wine Museum Private Tour: $220
  • Baiyun Mountain Canton Tower Iconic City Landmarks Private Tour: $180
  • Bruce Lee Hometown Martial Art Culture Lion Dance Private Tour: $220
  • Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise Guangzhou Private Night Tour: $140
  • Customised Private Guangzhou City Tour with Flexible Itinerary: $180
  • Customized Guangzhou City Tour with Local Insights: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bandung $3.09
    Guangzhou $15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bandung or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Guangzhou, 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.