Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Chongqing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chongqing or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chongqing and Harbin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chongqing or Harbin?
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, 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 dayChongqing $86Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Chongqing is $86, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Chongqing and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChongqing $49Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChongqing $98Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Chongqing and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Chongqing 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chongqing $19Harbin $1.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- [Airport Transfer] Chongqing Airport ⇔ Chongqing City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $23
- Private Transfer: Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Airport (CKG) : $43
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) : $50
- Private One Way Transfer (English Service) between Airport & Hotel & Cruise Port: $61
- Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport CKG: $25
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $39
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chongqing: $24
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chongqing Railway Station to Hotel: $24
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $22
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Dazu Rock Carvings Private Transfer or Tour: $278
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $115
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $115
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Arrival Transfer to China's Snow Town from Harbin HRB Airport: $149
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Chongqing or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Chongqing 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 dayChongqing $24Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $115
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Chongqing Night Cruise Including Hot Pot Dinner: $174
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chongqing $13Harbin $53
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dazu Rock Carvings Private Day Tour With the baoding Mountain and Beishan site: $251
- 1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch: $157
- 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
- 3-Hour Walking Tour of Chongqing Shancheng (Mountain City) Lane: $65
- All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour: $220
- Chongqing All-in-One Private Tour With Entire City Night View: $230
- Chongqing City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $196
- Chongqing Private City Tour Extention: $220
- Chongqing Wulong Exploration Private Day Tour With the Lunch: $185
- Chongqing Wulong National Park Private Tour : $280
- Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise and Illuminated Night Tour: $158
- City Highlights Guided Private Tour with Lunch: $208
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 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: $150
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- Private Harbin City Day Tour of Russian Historical Sites and Culture: $157
- Revolving Restaurant Dining Experience at Harbin Dragon Tower: $180
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $198
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Small Group Tour to Harbin Siberian Park Tiger: $200
- Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
- Private Customized Harbin City Day Tour by Public Transportation: $220
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChongqing $6.91Harbin $7.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chongqing and Harbin, we can see that Chongqing 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 Chongqing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chongqing 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 Chongqing Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chongqing or Harbin?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Harbin. When comparing the sizes of Chongqing 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.