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

Should you visit Hangzhou or Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 Canberra?

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.

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

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, Canberra or Hangzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $133. 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 Canberra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Canberra $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Canberra $164
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Canberra

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Canberra? 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 Canberra


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: Canberra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.11
    Canberra $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $95
  • Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
  • Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $55
  • Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119
  • Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
  • Private Transfer between Nanxun Ancient Water Town and Hangzhou City Area : $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

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

  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $117
  • Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
  • Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Canberra?

Prices for flights to both Canberra 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
    Canberra $34
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • 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
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213

Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Canberra $17

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 2-Day Live-in Temple Buddhist Monk Mediation Experience from Hangzhou: $252
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $216
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
  • Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
  • Classic Hangzhou Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $227
  • Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256

Tours and Activities in Canberra

For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
  • First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
  • LGBTQIA+ History Walking Tour: $33
  • Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $39
  • Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide: $40
  • Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $40
  • Best of Wildlife Tour: $88
  • Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Canberra $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.08

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $98
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
  • Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $121
  • CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $147
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $158
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162


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


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Canberra?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Canberra. Additionally, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Canberra 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Canberrain April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Canberra 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally much colder than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Canberra 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Canberra. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Canberrain October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Canberra 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Canberra and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Canberra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)