A Travel Price Comparison for China Guangzhou vs. Suzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guangzhou or Suzhou?

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

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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 Suzhou is $102. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $58
    Suzhou $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $116
    Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou


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
    Suzhou $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport(CAN): $35
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
  • Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou City Area: $49
  • Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to City Center : $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
  • Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou South Railway Station : $53
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou HTL-APT (CAN): $62
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
  • Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Exploration with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
  • Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $214
  • Private Departure Transfer to Shanghai Airport from Suzhou City Hotel: $68
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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
    Suzhou $32

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
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $170
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

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

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Suzhou $9.38

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
  • Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • Guangzhou Local Market Shopping and Business Private Tour: $70
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $76
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
  • Half Day Private Tour to Yuntai Garden and Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou: $81
  • Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
  • 4-Hour Guangzhou Walking Tour in Xiguan Area: $89

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

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

  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
  • Wuxi Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car : $103
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $123
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Suzhou $6.44


When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Suzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Guangzhou or Suzhou in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Suzhou.

Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou 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 Suzhou during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Suzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Suzhou.

In the autumn, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guangzhou in October average around 25°C (76°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.

Guangzhou usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Suzhou in the Winter?

Both Suzhou and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Suzhou can be very cold. In January, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 14°C (58°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Suzhou in the Spring?

Both Suzhou and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit.

Guangzhou is much warmer than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.

Suzhou 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 April than Suzhou. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)