Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Dalian?
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 Dalian. 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 Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Dalian $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Dalian 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 Hangzhou and Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Dalian $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Dalian $108
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Dalian? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.13Dalian $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
- 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 Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou City Center and Qiandao Lake : $121
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Hengdian World Studios from Hangzhou: $113
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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
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Food Meals for one dayHangzhou $18Dalian $27
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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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
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- 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
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Dalian $4.79
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
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Dalian $6.32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Dalian?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hangzhou or Dalian in the Summer?
Both Dalian and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Dalian averages at about 24°C (75°F).
Dalian 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 Dalian. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Dalian in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Dalian.
In October, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In October, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Dalian. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Dalian in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Dalian.
Dalian can be very cold during winter. Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Hangzhou is much warmer than Dalian in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Dalian in the Spring?
Both Dalian and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Hangzhou is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Dalian averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Dalian. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.