Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Darwin? 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
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 Sydney, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $106Darwin $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $117. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Darwin $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Darwin $130
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Darwin? 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: Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $42Darwin $12
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $145
- From Darwin Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Darwin city: $120
- Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $96
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
- Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $60
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $60
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $60
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $28Darwin $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $74
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $92
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $101
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $102
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $103
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $105
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.91Darwin $16
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
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $144
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $34
- 4x4 Litchfield Park Adventures : $274
- Blue Waters, Jumping Crocodile Cruise & Aboriginal Eco Adventure: $270
- Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $92
- Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $102
- Breeze Cruise Darwin City Tour + Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $82
- Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 2 hour Sunset Cruise: $65
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $27
- Darwin City Explorer Tour: $106
- Darwin Combo: The Bombing of Darwin Experience & Darwin Harbour Cruise: $58
- Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.79
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Darwin, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dalian is in Asia and Darwin is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Darwin?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin and Dalian during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dalian is generally cooler than Darwinin January. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Darwin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. Dalian usually gets less rain in July than Darwinin January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Darwin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Darwin. Furthermore, most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
Dalian is much colder than Darwin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Darwinin April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Darwin. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dalian can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Darwin averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.
Dalian usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Darwin in the Spring?
Both Darwin and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In April, Dalian is generally much colder than Darwinin October. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Darwinin October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Dalian
| Dalian | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.