Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Brisbane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Brisbane? 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: Dalian or Brisbane?
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $106Brisbane $138
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $138. 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 Dalian and Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Brisbane $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Brisbane $170
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Brisbane? 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $42Brisbane $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$10
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Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 3 people: $281
- NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $260
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $236
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $211
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $211
- Airport Transfer with Go Card and SIM Card: $196
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $189
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $148
- Arrival Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Van: $136
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $126
- Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $115
- From Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $114
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Dalian 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 dayDalian $28Brisbane $33
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.48
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Cup of Coffee$2.05
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.56
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Ice cream$3.77
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.45
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Japanese Soup$7.87
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Coffee & Muffin$4.79
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Morning Mint Tea$2.40
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.59
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Bread$1.78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $134
- Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine: $607
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.91Brisbane $25
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$14
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $44
- 2 Hour Sunset Jetski Tour on the Brisbane River: $202
- 2 Hour Sunset Jetski Tour on the Brisbane River: $103
- 2hr Animal Tour: $75
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $58
- 4 Hour Jetski Adventure from Brisbane to Moreton Bay: $154
- 4 Hour Jetski Adventure from Brisbane to Moreton Bay: $304
- 4 Hour Jetski Adventure to the Top of South Stradbroke Island: $154
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $34
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $36
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $88
- Adventure Moreton Island Scuba Dive Tour: $191
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Brisbane $53
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$10
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Sixpack of Beer$9.59
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Guiness Beer$5.82
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Sixpack of Beer$8.89
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $25
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
- Stone & Wood Brewery Tour: $30
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $51
- Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane: $68
- Sirromet Wine Tasting And Blending Workshop For 2: $84
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $103
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $106
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $109
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $128
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $136
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $137
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Dalian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dalian is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Dalian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dalian 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Dalian.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Brisbane?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Brisbane, 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 Dalian or Brisbane?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Dalian has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Dalian or Brisbane in the Summer?
Both Brisbane and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Dalian is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Brisbanein January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Brisbane in the Autumn?
Both Brisbane and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Brisbanein April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Brisbane in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Brisbane. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Brisbane in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Brisbane. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Dalian is much colder than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Brisbanein October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Dalian
| Dalian | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 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.