Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guilin or Byron Bay?
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 Guilin and Byron Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Byron Bay?
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
Byron Bay
South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $69Byron Bay $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $69, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $146. 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 Guilin and Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $35Byron Bay $70
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $70Byron Bay $140
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Byron Bay? 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: Byron Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $5.92Byron Bay $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
-
Taxi$2.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
- [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
- Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
- Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
- Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
- Transfer from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Guilin City Center: $41
- Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $45
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Yangshuo: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:
- Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $285
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Guilin 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 dayGuilin $23Byron Bay $50
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
-
Fresh Coconut Drink$1.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
-
Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$62
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Byron Bay $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $52
- One Day Private Longji Rice Terraces with Minority village tour: $52
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Guilin Classic Li River Day Tour with Xianggong Hill : $55
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $61
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
- 1-DAy Private Guilin -Li River Cruise-Yangshuo Highlights tour: $70
- Yangshuo Old Town and 3 star Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
-
Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$130
-
Surf Lesson$45
Tours and Activities in Byron Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $34
- WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $34
- Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $41
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $47
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $47
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $48
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $48
- Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $49
- Byron Surrounds: Nimbin Waterfall Adventure - Swimming Tour: $52
- Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $55
- Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $58
- Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $59
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.88Byron Bay $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay
Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $101
- Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $103
- Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $133
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guilin is in Asia and Byron Bay 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 Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay than you might in Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is Byron Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Byron Bay?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Byron Bay, 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 Guilin or Byron Bay?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Byron Bay is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Guilin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Guilin or Byron Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Byron Bay. Furthermore, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.
Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuilin 30°C (86°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Byron Bay. Additionally, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Guilin is generally around the same temperature as Byron Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Guilin usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuilin 23°C (73°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Byron Bay in the Winter?
Both Byron Bay and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Guilin is cooler than Byron Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in July.
In January, Guilin usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuilin 10°C (49°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Byron Bay in the Spring?
Both Byron Bay and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.
In the spring, Guilin is around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 19°C (67°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuilin 20°C (68°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Guilin
| Guilin | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.