Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guangzhou or Airlie Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Airlie Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Airlie Beach?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, in Queensland, offers the closest port to the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It's a small town of only 25,000 and has grown out of the area's popularity as a tourist destination. It's main industry remains tourism and, as such, there are many venues set up to accommodate travelers hoping to make trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The town has the feel of a vacation destination. While in the past Airlie Beach appealed specifically to the backpacker crowd, it's popularity has spread and now there are facilities catering to all travel types. The area has become more commercialized and there are plenty of large resorts to choose from. Even so, you'll still find no shortage of affordable accommodation around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $91Airlie Beach $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $91, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $148. 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 Guangzhou and Airlie Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $59Airlie Beach $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $118Airlie Beach $122
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Airlie Beach
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Airlie Beach? 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: Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Airlie Beach $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou City to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $37
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $45
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to City Center : $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:
- Private Transfer to Whitsunday Coast Airport: $327
- Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $17
- Airport Transfers - Return (round fare) share shuttle service: $29
- One Way Only - Airport Transfer share shuttle service: $17
- Return Transfer PPP Airport Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $33
- Roundtrip KIA Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $237
- South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $61
- Whitsunday: Prosperpine Airport to Airlie Beach Transfer: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Airlie Beach?
Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Guangzhou 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 dayGuangzhou $20Airlie Beach $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Private Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Cruise: $111
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $112
- World 8th Tallest Building (one of Best View point & dinner): $120
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $150
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $153
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.
- 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $85
- Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $86
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Airlie Beach $169
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Private Tour for Canton Culture and Food with Airport Pick Up : $60
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:
- Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours: $21
- Cedar Creek Express. (cruise ship friendly): $41
- 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $47
- Whisper Cruises - One-Hour Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise: $48
- Sundowner Sunset Cruise Airlie Beach: $48
- Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $48
- Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise: $59
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $61
- Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $62
- Airlie Beach Glass bottom boat Scenic Sunset Tour: $68
- Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Guided Night Tour: $68
- Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour: $90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $15Airlie Beach $9.49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guangzhou is in Asia and Airlie Beach 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 Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach than you might in Guangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Guangzhou or Airlie Beach?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Airlie Beach is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Guangzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Guangzhou or Airlie Beach in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Airlie Beach. Furthermore, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Guangzhou is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
Airlie Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin January. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Airlie Beach 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Airlie Beach. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guangzhou in October average around 25°C (76°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin April. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Airlie Beachin April. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Airlie Beach in the Winter?
Both Airlie Beach and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.
In January, Guangzhou is generally cooler than Airlie Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 14°C (58°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin July. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Airlie Beach 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Airlie Beach in the Spring?
Both Airlie Beach and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin October. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Airlie Beachin October. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Airlie Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 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.