Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guangzhou or Dalian?
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 Dalian can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Dalian?
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.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
-
Guangzhou Prices
China PricesDalian Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $104Dalian $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $124. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $58Dalian $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $116Dalian $110
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Dalian? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Dalian $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
- Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $175
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $175
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Zhuhai City Private Arrival Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l Airport : $108
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou and Zhuhai City Area : $104
- Private Arrival Transfer in English-speaking: Airport to Hotel: $99
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $34Dalian $47
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: $63
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Cantonese Dim Sum Cooking Class with Lunch: $86
- 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: $181
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Dalian $4.83
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
- 2-Hour Private Mid-Size Golf Hitting Bay Experience: $248
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
- 4-Hour Flexible Private Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Options: $153
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
- 4-Hour Private Tour for Layover Travellers via Guangzhou Airport: $200
- 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
- 7-Hour Private Day Tour to Sunac Land Amusement Park in Guangzhou: $187
- 9-Hour Opium War Museum History Relic Private Tour from Guangzhou: $187
- 9-Hour Private Day Tour to Zhuhai from Guangzhou by Private Car: $300
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Dalian $6.38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Dalian?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Guangzhou or Dalian in the Summer?
Both Dalian and Guangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 29°C (84°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Dalian. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Dalian in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Dalian.
Guangzhou is much warmer than Dalian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In October, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Dalian. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Dalian in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Dalian.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In the winter, Guangzhou is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Dalian averages at about -4°C (25°F).
Guangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Dalian in the Spring?
Both Dalian and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Dalian. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.