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

Should you visit Dalian or Noosa Heads?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads?

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.

Noosa Heads

A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Dalian?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $116. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $56
    Noosa Heads $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $112
    Noosa Heads $122
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Noosa Heads

Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads


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: Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dalian $42
    Noosa Heads $18

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 Noosa Heads

Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Premium Airport/ Cruise Terminal Transfers: $243
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $233
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $226
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $133
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $120
  • Private Transfer to or from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): $110
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $99
  • Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $92
  • Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast: $81
  • Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast& Noosa : $33
  • Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer from Noosa, Noosaville & Mooloolaba: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Noosa Heads?

Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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 $28
    Noosa Heads $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads

For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Australian Food Cooking Class: $83
  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.91
    Noosa Heads $42

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads

For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Surf Lesson
    $45
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    $89
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    $14

Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.

  • 1 Hour Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
  • 2-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour at Noosa: $54
  • 3-Hour Noosa Explorer e-Bike Tour: $103
  • Adventure Whale Watching Tour Mooloolaba: $58
  • Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
  • Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains Tour Combo: $198
  • Brisbane Airport and Cruise Terminal to Sunshine Coast 11 pax: $270
  • Bushtucker Cruise: $51
  • Dolphin watching Experience in Noosa Heads: $54
  • Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $110
  • Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $102
  • Fliteboard eFoil Group Experience in Noosa: $154

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.48
    Noosa Heads $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads

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

  • Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday: $96
  • Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $168
  • Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $188
  • Noosa Hinterland Tour with Gourmet Lunch, Wine Tasting & Everglades Lake: $198
  • Sunshine Coast Private Gourmet Food and Wine Tour: $246


When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dalian or Noosa Heads?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

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

Both Noosa Heads and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dalian is generally a little warmer than Noosa Headsin January. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Noosa Heads. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

Both Noosa Heads and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dalian is around the same temperature as Noosa Heads in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in April.

Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dalian 15°C (58°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Noosa Heads. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Noosa Heads. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 7°C (44°F)in July.

In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Noosa Heads. Also, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Noosa Headsin October. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Dalian

Dalian Noosa Heads
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 7°C (44°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)