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

Should you visit Hangzhou or Pyeongchang?

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 Pyeongchang. 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 Pyeongchang?

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.

Pyeongchang

Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang is $114. 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 Pyeongchang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Pyeongchang $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Pyeongchang $124
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Pyeongchang

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Pyeongchang? 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 Pyeongchang


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: Pyeongchang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.11
    Pyeongchang $25
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:

  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • 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
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Pyeongchang?

Prices for flights to both Pyeongchang 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
    Pyeongchang $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
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
  • 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 and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Pyeongchang $51

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
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Pyeongchang $8.79


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



When is the best time to visit Hangzhou or Pyeongchang?

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 Pyeongchang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Pyeongchang.

In July, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Pyeongchang. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Pyeongchang. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Pyeongchang 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Pyeongchang in the Autumn?

Both Pyeongchang and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Hangzhou is a little warmer than Pyeongchang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pyeongchang. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Pyeongchang 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Pyeongchang in the Winter?

Both Pyeongchang and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Pyeongchang in the winter. The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. In the winter, Hangzhou is much warmer than Pyeongchang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Pyeongchang averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Hangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pyeongchang. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Pyeongchang 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Pyeongchang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Pyeongchang.

In April, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Pyeongchang. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Pyeongchang 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pyeongchang and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Pyeongchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 0°C (33°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)