Which place is cheaper, Sydney or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guangzhou or Sydney?
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 Sydney can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Sydney?
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.
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
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 from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $91Sydney $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $91, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $288. 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 Sydney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $59Sydney $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $118Sydney $216
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Sydney? 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: Sydney Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Sydney $16
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 Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 6 seat mpv: $74
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $71
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $100
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou City to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$14
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Taxi to Airport$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $165
- Airport Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney by Business Car: $110
- Airport Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney by Luxury Van: $123
- Airport Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD by Luxury Van: $123
- Airport transfers and shuttle bus - home/hotels: $204
- Arrival Transfer from Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney in Luxury Van : $146
- Departure Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD in Business Car: $110
- Departure Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD in Luxury Van: $123
- Featherdale Wildlife Park with Exclusive Private Transfers: $205
- From Sydney Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Sydney: $35
- From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $195
- Hunter Valley Balloon Flight with Sydney CBD Transfer: $339
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Sydney?
Prices for flights to both Sydney 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 $20Sydney $47
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
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.74
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Lunch Special$10
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$10
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Meat Pies$3.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Lights Festival Pizza Cruise Tour in Vivid Sydney: $16
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $60
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $60
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $61
- Kids Cooking Classes: $65
- Sydney Harbour: Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise: $71
- Latino Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $72
- 4-hour Vivid Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise Shared Experience: $72
- Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $74
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with 3, 4 or 6-Course Menu: $78
- Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise: $79
- Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Sydney $33
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$31
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$32
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$130
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Powerhouse Museum$10
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.34
- Spirits of Sydney - Self Guided Ghost Tour of the Rocks Area: $5.00
- Sydney Harbour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to Lavender Bay: $5.36
- Catch an Art Thief Sydney Tour and Exploration Game: $8.91
- Sydney Quest Experience: From Prison to Freedom Land : $11
- Jewish Museum Exhibition Tickets in Sydney: $12
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Razor Gangs True Crime Tour: $17
- Australian National Maritime Museum: See It All Ticket: $17
- Historical Guided Walking Tour of Glebe: $17
- Self-Guided Walking Tour in Hidden Trails of The Rocks of Sydney: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $15Sydney $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- Haunted Pub Tour with Local Guide: $27
- Sydney's Haunted Pub Tour with a Licensed Guide: $27
- Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $31
- The Ultimate Halloween Bar Crawl in Sydney's CBD!: $31
- Big Night Out Pub Crawl: $31
- Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $58
- Private Wine Tour and Tasting: $58
- Beach and Brew - Hike and Brewery (Men and Women): $75
- Balmain Pub Walking Tour: $79
- The Rocks Pub Walking Tour: $79
- Marrickville Brewery Tour: $79
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Sydney?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Sydney, 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 Sydney?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?
Both Sydney and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 29°C (84°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Sydney. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sydney during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Sydney 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Sydney in the Autumn?
Both Sydney and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Guangzhou is a little warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.
In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin April. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.
Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Sydney 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Sydney in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Sydney. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Sydney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Sydney in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Sydney. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin October. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Sydney 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Sydney and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Sydney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.