Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Surfers Paradise?
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 Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?
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.
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Surfers Paradise $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $104. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Surfers Paradise $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Surfers Paradise $132
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Surfers Paradise
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Surfers Paradise? 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 $8.11Surfers Paradise $11
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:
- [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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $149
- Gold Coast Airport Transfers Corporate Chauffeurs Gold Coast: $119
- Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers: $291
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
- Luxury Private Transfer between Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast city (1-7pax) : $89
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airports to Surfers Paradise: $106
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
- Private Transfer to Brisbane/BNE Airport from Gold Coast/OOL Airport( 1-7 pax): $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Surfers Paradise?
Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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 $18Surfers Paradise $26
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
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Surfers Paradise $23
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$78
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line:Wax Museum Ticket-World in Wax & Guided Tour of Chamber of Horrors: $22
- Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise Day Pass: $30
- Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $30
- Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $32
- Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $33
- Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $33
- Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $37
- Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $37
- Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $46
- Paradise SUP Tour: $47
- Half-Day Whale Watching and Canal Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $52
- Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Surfers Paradise $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Surfers Paradise?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Surfers Paradise. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?
Both Surfers Paradise and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Hangzhou is generally cooler than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?
Both Surfers Paradise and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.
The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. Hangzhou is much colder than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Surfers Paradise. Furthermore, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches.
In the spring, Hangzhou is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Surfers Paradise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.