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

Should you visit Hangzhou or Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast. 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 Gold Coast?

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.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast is $98. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Gold Coast $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Gold Coast

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.11
    Gold Coast $23
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:

  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • 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 Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $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
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $98
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $127
  • Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $98
  • Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $127
  • From Tandem Skydive Byron Bay with Transfers: $240
  • Gold Coast Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $21
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $98
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Car: $127
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $126
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $127
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $126
  • Gold Coast Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Gold Coast: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Gold Coast?

Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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
    Gold Coast $27
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast

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

  • Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $72
  • Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Gold Coast $19

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 Gold Coast

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

  • Spring Brook National Park Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $24
  • Surfers Paradise: IceBar Entry Ticket and Drink: $29
  • Surfer's Paradise Sightseeing Cruise: $29
  • Surfers Paradise and Midday River Cruise: $32
  • Surfers Paradise: Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise 4pm: $32
  • Gold Coast Morning Tea Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $32
  • Surfers Paradise Sunset Cruise: $32
  • City Lights Cruise: $36
  • Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise: $36
  • Gold Coast Sunset River Cruise: $36
  • Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Gold Coast $5.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast

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

  • Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $124
  • Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $132


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


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Gold Coast?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

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

Both Gold Coast and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coastin January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hangzhou or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Gold Coast. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Hangzhou or Gold Coast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Gold Coast. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Hangzhou is much colder than Gold Coast in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hangzhou or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Gold Coast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 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) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)