Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dalian or Canberra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Canberra? 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 Canberra?
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.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Dalian Prices
China PricesCanberra Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $124Canberra $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $124, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $55Canberra $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $110Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Canberra? 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: Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Canberra $24
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 Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
- Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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 $48Canberra $60
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.86Canberra $17
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
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Canberra Floriade Tour: $127
- Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
- Canberra One Day Tour: $244
- Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $151
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
- City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $125
- Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour: $89
- National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
- Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch: $397
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.41Canberra $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
- Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
- 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $161
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
- 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Canberra?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Canberra, 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 Canberra?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Canberra. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
In July, Dalian is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Canberra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Canberra. Additionally, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Dalian is cooler than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Canberra. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Canberrain April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Canberra in the Winter?
Both Canberra and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Canberra in the Spring?
Both Canberra and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 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)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Dalian
| Dalian | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.