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

Should you visit Guilin 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 Guilin and Gold Coast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Gold Coast?

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.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Guilin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $69, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $103. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Gold Coast $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Gold Coast $116
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Gold Coast

Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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 Guilin


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.
    Guilin $5.92
    Gold Coast $24
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 Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $390
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhangjiajie: $390
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
  • Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
  • Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
  • Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
  • Live Show of Impression Liu San Jie including the Transfer Services: $102
  • Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93

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: $100
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $129
  • Brisbane and Gold Coast Personal Airport Private Transfer: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $100
  • From Tandem Skydive Byron Bay with Transfers: $283
  • Gold Coast Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $22
  • Gold Coast Airport Private Transfer for 1 to 15 Passengers : $34
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $100
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Car: $129
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $128
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $100
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $129

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Gold Coast?

Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 day
    Guilin $23
    Gold Coast $29
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

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:

  • Broadwater Sunset Dinner Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast: $53
  • Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $81
  • Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $81
  • 3 Hours Australian Campfire with Dinner in Tamborine Mountain: $92
  • Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $317

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Gold Coast $20
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:

  • 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
  • Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
  • 1 Day Guilin to Yangshuo with top scenery & culture private tour : $120
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $219
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $169
  • 1 Day Yangshuo private Day Tour with the Scooter: $105
  • 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204
  • 1 day Li River cruise & Yangshuo countryside private day tour : $120
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
  • 1-DAy Private Guilin -Li River Cruise-Yangshuo Highlights tour: $70
  • 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show: $89

Tours and Activities in Gold Coast

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

  • Spring Brook National Park Driving Tour with an APP: $15
  • Surfers Paradise: 2-Hour Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise: $20
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $24
  • Surfers Paradise: IceBar Entry Ticket and Drink: $30
  • Surfers Paradise: Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise 4pm: $33
  • Surfers Paradise and Midday River Cruise: $33
  • Gold Coast Party Boat: Your Ultimate DJ Cruise Experience!: $33
  • Gold Coast Morning Tea Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $33
  • Gold Coast Party Boat Your Ultimate DJ Cruise Experience: $34
  • Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise: $37
  • Gold Coast Sunset River Cruise: $37
  • City Lights Cruise: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.88
    Gold Coast $5.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast

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

  • Queensland Distillery Tour: $78
  • Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $142
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $144
  • Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $144
  • Queensland Gin Distillery Tasting & Talk: $405


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Gold Coast?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin 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 Guilin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Guilin or Gold Coast in the Summer?

Both Gold Coast and Guilin 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, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Gold Coastin January. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 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
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin 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.

Guilin is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin April. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Gold Coast in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Guilin is much colder than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

Guilin usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 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
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Guilin 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, Guilin is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin October. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Guilin

Guilin Gold Coast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)