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

Should you visit Hangzhou or Byron Bay?

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 Byron Bay. 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 Byron Bay?

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.

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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Hangzhou?

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 Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $175. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $24
    Byron Bay $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $48
    Byron Bay $134
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.

Hotels in Hangzhou


Hotels in Byron Bay


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.
    Hangzhou $8.24
    Byron Bay $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
  • Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Hangzhou Train Station to Hangzhou Downtown Hotel: $39
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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 $31
    Byron Bay $83
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.38
  • 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
  • Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay

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

  • Bangalow Native Bush Food Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Byron Bay $36

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
  • Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
  • A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
  • Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
  • The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
  • Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
  • Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80

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)
    $124
  • Surf Lesson
    $43

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens Entry Ticket: $33
  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $33
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $40
  • WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $46
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $47
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Byron Bay Private Bike Tour : $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
  • Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Byron 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: $99
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $104
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $136
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $137


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay 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 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 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 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 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Byron Bay?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hangzhou or Byron Bay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Byron Bay. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Byron Bay. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

In the autumn, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally much colder than Byron Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Byron Bay in the Spring?

Both Byron Bay and Hangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Hangzhou is cooler than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)