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

Should you visit Guangzhou or Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Gold Coast?

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.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Guangzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $98. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $57
    Gold Coast $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $114
    Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Gold Coast

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast


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 $14
    Gold Coast $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
  • Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Private Guided Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise Tour With Hotel Transfer: $109
  • Zhuhai City Private Arrival Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l Airport : $108
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou and Shenzhen 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 from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $88
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
  • Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast

Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $98
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $127
  • Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $98
  • Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $127
  • From Tandem Skydive Byron Bay with Transfers: $240
  • Gold Coast Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $21
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $98
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Car: $127
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $125
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $98
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $127
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Gold Coast?

Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 $19
    Gold Coast $27

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
  • Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast

For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $72
  • Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Gold Coast $19

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

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

  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
  • Private Tour of Foshan: The Ancestral Temple and Other Options from Guangzhou : $167
  • 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
  • 4 Hours Half Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private Tour: $180
  • 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • AAAAA Top National Natural Preserve Dinghu Mountain Private Tour: $300
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou: $229
  • Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
  • Best of Guangzhou City Sightseeing: $110
  • Big Buddha Mountain Martial Art Culture Countryside Private Tour: $220

Tours and Activities in Gold Coast

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.

  • Spring Brook National Park Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Spring Brook National Park Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $24
  • Surfers Paradise: IceBar Entry Ticket and Drink: $29
  • Surfer's Paradise Sightseeing Cruise: $29
  • Surfers Paradise: Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise 4pm: $32
  • Surfers Paradise and Midday River Cruise: $32
  • Gold Coast Morning Tea Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $32
  • Surfers Paradise Sunset Cruise: $32
  • Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise: $36
  • City Lights Cruise: $36
  • Gold Coast Sunset River Cruise: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Gold Coast $5.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:

  • Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $124
  • Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $133


When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Guangzhou is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Gold Coast?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

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

Both Gold Coast and Guangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 29°C (84°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Guangzhou. In the summer, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin January. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coastin January. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Gold Coast. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

Guangzhou is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during autumn. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin April. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Gold Coast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Gold Coast. Additionally, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the winter, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin July. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun.

Guangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Guangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during spring. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin October. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Gold Coast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)