Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Surfers Paradise?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Surfers Paradise? 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 Surfers Paradise?
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.
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $106Surfers Paradise $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $109. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Surfers Paradise $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Surfers Paradise $140
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Surfers Paradise
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Surfers Paradise? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $42Surfers Paradise $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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to Brisbane/BNE Airport from Gold Coast/OOL Airport( 1-7 pax): $236
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $184
- Private Transfer Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast 4-6 Passengers: $178
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $52
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Surfers Paradise?
Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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 $28Surfers Paradise $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.91Surfers Paradise $25
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 Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$82
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience - Small Group Tour: $81
- 1.5hr Jetski Tour with island stopover - SELF DRIVE - NO LICENCE NEEDED: $192
- 2.5hrs Jetski Tour with island stopover / Self Drive / Surfers Paradise: $267
- Body Massage Experience in Gold Coast : $170
- Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise: $61
- Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $65
- Glow Worms - Nocturnal Rainforest/Waterfall Adventure: $68
- Gold Coast - Hopo 2 Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $27
- Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $31
- Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $38
- Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass: $31
- Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Surfers Paradise $12
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Surfers Paradise?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Surfers Paradise. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Dalian is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Surfers Paradise. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?
Both Surfers Paradise and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dalian can be very cold during winter. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Surfers Paradisein July. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?
Both Surfers Paradise and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.
Dalian is much colder than Surfers Paradise in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Dalian
| Dalian | Surfers Paradise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.