Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hanoi or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Harbin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hanoi or Harbin?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Hanoi and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Harbin? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.89Harbin $1.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.20
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.20
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.40
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Short Taxi Ride$1.36
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Wonder Bay Cruise 1 Day Trip Transfer from Hanoi by Expressway: $80
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi HTL-APT (HAN): $14
- Transfer Hanoi to Halong Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
- The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N Stay At 3* Hotel -Transfer by Sleep BUS : $159
- The Best 2D1N HALONG BAY- All Inclusive,Overnight on Boat By Expressway Transfer: $125
- Symphony Cruise- Luxury Day Trip From Hanoi With Express Transfer: $105
- Small Group Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Tour with Limousine Transfer : $45
- Small Group Halong Islands, Cave, Kayak. Seafood Lunch. EXPRESSWAY Transfer: $67
- Sea Octopus - Luxury Halong Cruise From Hanoi Roundtrip Transfer: $105
- Sapa Trekking 2 Days 1 Night Transfer By Sleeper Bus: $90
- Sapa Tour 2 Days from Hanoi by Luxury Limousine Transfer: $122
- Sapa Tour 2 Days 1 Night (3 STAR HOTEL+TRANSFER BY LIMOUSINE CAR): $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $13Harbin $14
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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Bowl of Pho$0.80
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.13
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $24
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $24
- Guided Half-Day Hanoi Street Food Tour: $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.51Harbin $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.60
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.60
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National History Museum$1.60
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.80
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Luxury Arcady Cruise Tour from Hanoi by Express Limousine: $75
- 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
- 4 Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Hanoi Army Jeep Tour: $58
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
- From Halong Bay by Scenic Seaplane and Luxury Day Cruise: $230
- Full Day Tour in Hanoi City: $35
- Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour-Cave, Kayaking,Ti top island & Lunch: $41
- Ha Noi Private city tour and water puppet private tour: $59
- Ha Noi private city tour full day and cyclo: $69
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Small Group Tour to Harbin Siberian Park Tiger: $200
- Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
- Songhua River Boat Tour and Food Experience in Harbin: $230
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.70Harbin $7.83
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
When comparing the travel costs between Hanoi and Harbin, we can see that Harbin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Harbin, 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 Hanoi or Harbin?
Harbin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hanoi or Harbin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Harbin. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hanoi is a little warmer than Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Harbin. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Harbin. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).
It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Harbin. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
Hanoi usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
Hanoi is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Harbin. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 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.