Which place is cheaper, Wellington or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Wellington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Wellington? 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 Wellington?
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.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $106Wellington $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Wellington is $110. 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 Wellington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Wellington $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Wellington $128
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Wellington
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Wellington? 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: Wellington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $42Wellington $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 Wellington
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wellington Transfer: Airport（WLG）to/from City Center: $90
- Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $78
- Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $75
- Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $63
- Wētā Workshop Experience + Guided Transfers: $60
- Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $27
- Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Wellington?
Prices for flights to both Wellington 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 $28Wellington $31
Typical Food Prices in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$9.51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $131
- Capital Bites, A food tour of Wellington: $140
- Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $155
- A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.91Wellington $17
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 Wellington
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 30 Mins Lamborghini Supercar Passenger Experience: $137
- 5 hour Wellington City Heights Shared tour: $93
- Discover Maori and explore Wellington - Full Day Tour: $171
- Discover Wellington - 3hr City Tour: $54
- Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour : $55
- Easy Rider Two-Hour Wellington eBike Tour: $71
- Filming locations of Lord of The Rings Tour with Guide: $180
- From Cave to Coast Wellington Highlights Tour: $121
- From Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa: $107
- From Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour: $305
- From Taste Buds Tour of Petone: $169
- Full Day Guided Wellington Tour : $155
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Wellington $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $98
- 1/2 day Martinborough Chefs Wine Tour with lunch from Wellington: $155
- Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $174
- From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $177
- 6hr Martinborough Chefs private wine tour ŵ lunch from Wellington: $249
- Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $366
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Wellington?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Wellington, 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 Wellington?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Wellington. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.
In July, Dalian is generally a little warmer than Wellingtonin January. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Wellington 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Wellington in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Wellington. Also, many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Dalian is around the same temperature as Wellington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.
Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Wellington 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Wellington in the Winter?
Both Wellington and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Wellington 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 Wellington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Wellington averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Wellington. In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Wellington 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Wellington in the Spring?
Both Wellington and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months.
In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Wellingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Wellington 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Wellington and Dalian
| Dalian | Wellington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.