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

Should you visit Guangzhou or Darwin?

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 Darwin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Darwin?

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.

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.

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 3-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $91, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $117. 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 Darwin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $59
    Darwin $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $118
    Darwin $130
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Darwin

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Darwin? 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 Darwin


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: Darwin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Darwin $12

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:


  • Shuttle to Train Station
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:

  • Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $96
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $145
  • Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • From Darwin Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Darwin city: $120
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $60
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Darwin?

Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $20
    Darwin $39

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 Darwin

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

  • Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $74
  • Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $93
  • Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $102
  • Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $104
  • Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $105
  • Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $116

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Darwin $16

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 Darwin

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

  • Darwin Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $27
  • Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $32
  • Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $32
  • Darwin Harbour Sightseeing Cruise: $34
  • 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $34
  • Jumping Crocodile Experience: $38
  • Darwin History and Wartime Experience Tour: $41
  • 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $44
  • Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $44
  • Discover Darwin Harbour 1 hour Darwin Harbour Cruise: $44
  • Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $15
    Darwin $13

Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $16
  • Glass of Wine
    $4.79


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


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Darwin?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Darwin, 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 Darwin?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Darwin. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.

In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Darwin during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.

Darwin 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 Darwinin January. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Darwin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Darwin. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Guangzhou is generally cooler than Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun.

Guangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Darwinin April. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Darwin in the Winter?

Both Darwin and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Guangzhou is much colder than Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Darwin. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Darwin 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Darwin in the Spring?

Both Darwin and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches.

In the spring, Guangzhou is cooler than Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Darwin and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Darwin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 437 mm (17.2 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 343 mm (13.5 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 342 mm (13.5 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)