A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guangzhou vs. Byron Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guangzhou or Byron Bay?

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 Byron Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Byron Bay?

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.

Byron Bay

South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.

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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $175. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $58
    Byron Bay $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $116
    Byron Bay $134
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Byron Bay? 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 Guangzhou


Hotels in Byron Bay


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: Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Byron Bay $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
  • Guangzhou private airport transfer: $27
  • [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
  • Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
  • Guangzhou Airport & Train Station Private Transfer English Driver: $32
  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $33
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
  • Guangzhou Private Intercity Transfer Shenzhen, Dongguan and More: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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 day
    Guangzhou $34
    Byron Bay $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
  • Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
  • Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Byron Bay.

  • Bangalow Native Bush Food Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Byron Bay $36

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guangzhou:New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
  • 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.18
  • Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
  • Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.72
  • Discover Private Tour of Culture, Food & Pearl River: $6.99
  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Private Guangzhou Tour with Comfortable Transportation: $16
  • Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
  • Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
  • Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
  • Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
  • Chen Clan Academy In-Depth 2-Hour Guided Tour: $31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $124
  • Surf Lesson
    $43

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens Entry Ticket: $33
  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $33
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $40
  • WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $46
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $47
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Byron Bay Private Bike Tour : $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
  • Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Byron Bay $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

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

  • Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $99
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $104
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $136
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $137


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


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Byron Bay?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Byron Bay, 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 Guangzhou or Byron Bay?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Byron Bay. Furthermore, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Byron Bay. Additionally, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Byron Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in July.

In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin July. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Byron Bay in the Spring?

Both Byron Bay and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

In the spring, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 19°C (67°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)