A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hangzhou vs. Brisbane for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hangzhou or Brisbane?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Brisbane. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Brisbane?

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Hangzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $67, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $138. 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 Hangzhou and Brisbane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $24
    Brisbane $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $48
    Brisbane $170
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Brisbane

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Brisbane? 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 Hangzhou


Hotels in Brisbane


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.34
    Brisbane $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
  • Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
  • Private Transfer to Hengdian World Studios from Hangzhou: $113

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $10
  • Go Card
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $149
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Van: $137
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $212
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $190
  • Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $116
  • Brisbane Airport to Brisbane Hotels Private Round-Trip Transfer: $72
  • Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast Transfer Service: $57
  • Brisbane Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Brisbane city: $42
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $54
  • Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Brisbane?

Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $18
    Brisbane $33
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.41
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213

Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

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


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.48
  • Cup of Coffee
    $2.05
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.56
  • Ice cream
    $3.77
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.45
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.87
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.79
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.40
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.59
  • Bread
    $1.78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $135
  • Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine: $612

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $21
    Brisbane $25

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
  • 2-Day Live-in Temple Buddhist Monk Mediation Experience from Hangzhou: $252
  • 3 days tour Shanghai Huangshan & Hangzhou by bullet trains: $830
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • 5 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $159
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park including Fishing experience: $205
  • All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $216
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59

Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $14

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

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

  • Trevena Glen Farm Animal Experience: $17
  • Brisbane International Cruise Terminal & Brisbane Airport: $17
  • Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $23
  • True Crime Tour: $23
  • QAGOMA Iris van Herpen Sculpting the Senses ticket: $24
  • Winery Tour and Tasting: $24
  • Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $24
  • Solve a Detective Case in a themed adventure: $27
  • Boggo Road Gaol Ghost and Gallows Tour: $31
  • City Walking Tour 90 minutes: $33
  • Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea: $33
  • Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise on the Brisbane River: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $11
    Brisbane $53

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $10
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.59
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.82
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.89

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

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

  • XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $25
  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $26
  • City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $52
  • Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane: $69
  • Sirromet Wine Tasting And Blending Workshop For 2: $85
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $105
  • Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $108
  • Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $111
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $129
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $139
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $139
  • Mount Tamborine Deluxe Wine Tasting with Two Course Lunch: $139


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hangzhou is in Asia and Brisbane 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 Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Hangzhou.

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


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Brisbane?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Brisbane, 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 Hangzhou or Brisbane?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hangzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hangzhou or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Brisbanein January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Brisbane. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hangzhou is generally cooler than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Brisbanein April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Brisbane. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. Hangzhou is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Brisbanein July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In the spring, Hangzhou is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Brisbane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in)