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

Should you visit Hangzhou or Noosa Heads?

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 Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads?

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.

Noosa Heads

A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.

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


Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads is $135. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $24
    Noosa Heads $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $48
    Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Noosa Heads

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads


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: Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.24
    Noosa Heads $17
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:

  • 2-Day Private Tour with Lunch and Airport Transfer: $459
  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $269
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
  • 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
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads

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

  • Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast: $91
  • Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast & Noosa : $32
  • Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $91
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $238
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $262
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Noosa Heads?

Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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
    Noosa Heads $58
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads

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

  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Noosa Heads $40

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 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: $113
  • 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
  • 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
  • All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
  • Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153

Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads

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


  • Surf Lesson
    $43
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    $85
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads

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

  • Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise River: $22
  • 1 Hour Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
  • The Original 1-Hour Mooloolaba Canal Cruise: $24
  • SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium Entrance Ticket: $26
  • Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $32
  • Sunset Cruise Mooloolaba: $33
  • Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
  • The Ginger Factory Play, Taste & Discover Bundle Experience: $36
  • Stillwater Luxury Noosa Sunset Cruise : $37
  • Noosa Stand Up Paddle & Mangrove Tunnel Tour (Self Guided): $39
  • Seafood Lunch Cruise: $46
  • Sunshine Coast Adventure Park TreeTop Challenge: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Noosa Heads $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads

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

  • Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl Sippin on Sunshine: $15
  • Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $164
  • Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $188


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


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Noosa Heads?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

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

Both Noosa Heads and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

Noosa Heads gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Noosa Heads. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

In the autumn, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.

In October, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Noosa Heads. Also, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally cooler than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Hangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Noosa Headsin July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

Both Noosa Heads and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Noosa Heads
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)