Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Bandung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bandung or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bandung or Harbin? 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 Harbin?
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.
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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 dayBandung $41Harbin $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $41, 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 Bandung and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBandung $22Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBandung $44Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Bandung 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: Bandung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bandung $6.00Harbin $1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from ciwidey to Bandung Airport (BDO): $58
- Private Transfer from Ujung Genteng Sukabumi to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $215
- Private Transfer from Ujung Genteng Sukabumi to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $215
- Private Transfer from Tasikmalaya to Bandung Airport (BDO): $146
- Private Transfer from Sumber to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $171
- Private Transfer from Sukatani permai to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $69
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Purwakarta Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $111
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Cikarang to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $69
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Bekasi to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $51
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi, Sukamakmur, Bogor to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $95
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Bekasi to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $72
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Bandung to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $111
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
- Private Arrival Transfer to China's Snow Town from Harbin HRB Airport: $149
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin South Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $80
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $117
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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
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Food Meals for one dayBandung $15Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bandung
For Bandung, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bandung Food Tour: $67
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bandung $5.90Harbin $54
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- BANDUNG : MAKE CUSTOMIZED TOUR WITH CAR CHARTER AND DRIVER: $77
- Backpacker Style of the Java-Madura-Bali Island Tour 12 Days: $1,611
- Bandung One Day Tour Package: $160
- Volcano, Hot Spring, Mud Bathing, & Lake Tour: $67
- Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $57
- Day Trip White Crater Ciwidey Bandung All In - Tour Guide: $73
- Daytrip Costum White Crater Volcano Mount Tour Guide Bandung: $49
- From Jakarta: Bandung City Tour: $132
- From Jakarta: Bandung Volcano Tour: $156
- Full-Day Tour to Bandung White Crater,Lake and Tea Plantation: $82
- Innova Reborn Tour driver car rental in Bandung: $67
- JAKARTA : JAVA TOURS TO BANDUNG/YOGYAKARTA/BROMO/IJEN: $2,645
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Half-Day Small Group Tour to Harbin Sun Island : $200
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $120
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 3 Hours Harbin Frozen Songhua River Sightseeing: $200
- 4 Hour Summer Tour to Sun Island to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $260
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- 4Hour Tour Heilongjiang Museum to Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: $250
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBandung $3.60Harbin $8.05
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Harbin, we can see that Harbin 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 Harbin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Harbin 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 Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bandung or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Bandung 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.
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.