Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dalian or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $106Gold Coast $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $103. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Gold Coast $58
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Gold Coast $116
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Gold Coast? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $42Gold Coast $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: $40
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Theme Park Transfer: $578
- From Tandem Skydive Byron Bay with Transfers: $285
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $130
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $130
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $130
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Car: $130
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $129
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $129
- Brisbane and Gold Coast Personal Airport Private Transfer: $126
- Australia Zoo Ticket and Roundtrip Transfer: $105
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $101
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $101
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 dayDalian $28Gold Coast $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Broadwater Sunset Dinner Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast: $54
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $82
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $83
- Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $319
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.91Gold Coast $20
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 Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- Whale Watching Australia Experience (3hours): $83
- 1 Hour Amore Tour: $244
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $195
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $53
- 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $278
- 2.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $45
- 2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour: $55
- 3-Day Ticket: Dreamworld with WhiteWaterWorld & SkyPoint: $101
- 30min Jet Ski Tour in Surfers Paradise: $84
- 55min Gold Coast Jet Boat Adventure Ride: $55
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $38
- Arro Jet Boating Experience, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Gold Coast $5.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Queensland Distillery Tour: $78
- Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $143
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $145
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $146
- Queensland Gin Distillery Tasting & Talk: $408
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Gold Coast, we can see that Dalian 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Gold Coast?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
Both Gold Coast and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
Dalian is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
Both Gold Coast and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Gold Coast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Gold Coast. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Gold Coast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Gold Coast. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Dalian is much colder than Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Dalian
| Dalian | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.