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

Should you visit Guilin or Wollongong?

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

Where Should I go: Guilin or Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Wollongong or Guilin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $144. 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 Wollongong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Wollongong $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Wollongong

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Wollongong? 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 Wollongong


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: Wollongong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.85
    Wollongong $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
  • 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 from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
  • Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
  • 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 Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
  • Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Wollongong?

Prices for flights to both Wollongong 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 $39
    Wollongong $53
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.40

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
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Typical Food Prices in Wollongong

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:


  • Lunch
    $7.85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Wollongong $22
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
  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
  • 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
  • 1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages: $169
  • 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $72
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
  • 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
  • 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
  • 1 Day Relaxing Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Tour: $205

Tours and Activities in Wollongong

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

  • From Sydney: Jervis Bay Tour with Beach, Koalas & Kangaroos: $144
  • Sydney: Private South Coast, Highlands and Kiama Tour: $903

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.81
    Wollongong $18


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


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Wollongong?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Wollongong 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Wollongong. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Guilin is a little warmer than Wollongong in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

In October, Guilin usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Wollongong 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Wollongong in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Guilin is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.

Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Wollongong 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Wollongong 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Guilin

Guilin Wollongong
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)