Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Melbourne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Melbourne? 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 Melbourne?
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.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural 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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $106Melbourne $185
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $185. 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 Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Melbourne $125
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Melbourne $250
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Melbourne? 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: Melbourne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $42Melbourne $21
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 Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
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Airport Bus$11
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Tram Ride$2.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Lake Mountain Ski Resort Tour with Transfers: $1,001
- Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $393
- Melbourne Airport (MEL): Private Transfer to Melbourne: $333
- Melbourne Airport: Private Group Transfer to Crown: $262
- Southbank Crown: Private Transfer to MelAirport: $262
- Airport Transfer Private Van > Melbourne CBD: $247
- Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $209
- Melbourne Private Transfer to Melbourne Airport MEL in Luxury Car: $193
- Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $186
- Departure Transfer from Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Van: $167
- Chauffeur Services with Baby Seat - Luxury Airport Transfer : $153
- Melbourne Airport MEL Private Transfer to Melbourne in Sedan Car: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 $28Melbourne $32
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.74
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Pizza$4.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Multicultural Food Tour in Melbourne Markets: $53
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $55
- Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour: $55
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $56
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $83
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $89
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $103
- Secret Food Tour: $116
- Chinese Cooking Class Master: $125
- Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $136
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $136
- Thai Cooking Class: $137
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.91Melbourne $29
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 Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Experience Yarra Valley: A Tailored private Wine Journey: $227
- 1 day Lake mountain snow tour : $84
- 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $139
- 1.5Hr Yarra River Crown Flames and City Lights Cruise: $331
- 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $846
- 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne: $232
- 2-Hour Farm Experience in Gateway Yarra Valley: $70
- 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Micro-Group Tour: $1,570
- 3.5 Hours Group tour Melbourne trouble-makers tour: $46
- 3/4 Day Sports Lovers Bus Tour of Melbourne with Tour Options: $188
- 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $56
- African Wild Dog Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo : $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Melbourne $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
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Bottle of Wine$5.31
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Melbourne Pub Crawl: $18
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $27
- MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour: $27
- Distillery Tour & Tasting: $41
- Yarra Valley Food and Wine Tour with Lunch: $57
- Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Gin and Cider: $83
- Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $108
- Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour from Melbourne: $111
- Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $146
- Mornington Peninsula Winery Tour Including Wine Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $166
- Mornington Peninsula Premium Tour with Wine Tasting at Yabby Lake : $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Melbourne. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
In July, Dalian is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Melbourne 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 Melbournein January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Melbourne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Melbourne. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Dalian is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.
Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Melbournein April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Melbourne in the Winter?
Both Melbourne and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne 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)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Melbourne in the Spring?
Both Melbourne and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Dalian
| Dalian | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.