Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guangzhou or Katoomba?
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 Katoomba can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Katoomba?
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.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $89Katoomba $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $134. 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 Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $57Katoomba $77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $114Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Katoomba? 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: Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Katoomba $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $68
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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
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Food Meals for one dayGuangzhou $19Katoomba $17
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Katoomba $53
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- 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
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
Tours and Activities in Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
- Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $83
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $97
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $98
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $107
- Small-Group Blue Mountains Tour with Bush Walks and Featherdale Wildlife Park: $116
- 4Hrs at Wolgan Valley Birdwatching Experience: $129
- Truffle Hunt and Taste Experience in Oberon, NSW Australia: $146
- Private Blue Mountains Rainforest and Waterfalls SUV Tour: $165
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Katoomba?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Katoomba. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Guangzhou is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
Katoomba 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 Katoombain January. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Katoomba in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Katoomba. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guangzhou in October average around 25°C (76°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.
In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain April. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Katoombain April. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Katoomba in the Winter?
Both Katoomba and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.
In January, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 14°C (58°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Katoomba in the Spring?
Both Katoomba and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Guangzhou is a little warmer than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Katoomba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.