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

Should you visit Dalian or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Wollongong? 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 Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dalian or Wollongong?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

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

Both Wollongong and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Dalian is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dalian or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Wollongongin April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Wollongong. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong 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 Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Wollongongin July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dalian or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Wollongong. Additionally, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Dalian is much colder than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

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

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Dalian