A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dalian vs. Byron Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dalian or Byron Bay?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay?

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.

Byron Bay

South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Dalian?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $103, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $139. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $54
    Byron Bay $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $108
    Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Byron Bay? 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 Dalian


Hotels in Byron Bay


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: Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dalian $41
    Byron Bay $32

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: $27
  • Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
  • Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:

  • Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dalian $27
    Byron Bay $47

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.78
    Byron Bay $35

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: $159

Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $123
  • Surf Lesson
    $42

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • 3-Hour Small-Group Byron Bay Tour: $66
  • Beyond Byron Hinterland Tour: $132
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $46
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $45
  • Brunswick River: Byron Sunset Eco Rainforest River Cruise: $62
  • Byron Bay Half-Day Tour: $65
  • Byron Bay Hinterland Tour Including Rainforest Walk to Minyon Falls: $112
  • Byron Bay Hinterland: National Park and Waterfalls Tour: $110
  • Byron Bay Lighthouse and Hinterland Tour: $66
  • Byron Bay and Beyond Tour Including Cape Bryon Lighthouse Crystal Castle and Bangalow: $125
  • Brunswick Heads Sunset Rainforest Eco-Cruise: $63
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.31
    Byron Bay $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $97
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $99
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $127
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $129


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dalian or Byron Bay?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?

Both Byron Bay and Dalian during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Byron Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. Dalian usually gets more rain in July than Byron Bayin January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Byron Bay. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dalian is cooler than Byron Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F)in April.

Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dalian 15°C (58°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Byron Bay in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Byron Bay. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.

Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Byron Bayin July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Byron Bay in the Spring?

Both Byron Bay and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Dalian is generally much colder than Byron Bayin October. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Dalian

Dalian Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)