Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Harbin or Auckland?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Harbin and Auckland can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Auckland?
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.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $54Auckland $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $54, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $139. 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 Harbin and Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Auckland $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Auckland $176
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Auckland? 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: Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.49Auckland $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.51
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $91
- Seamless Auckland Airport Transfers to Auckland CBD: $91
- Private Transfer from Auckland city to Bay Of Islands Cruise Port: $115
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $55
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $39
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $55
- Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Van: $112
- Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $112
- Private Transfer From Cruise Ships To Auckland Airport : $85
- Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport : $62
- Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $73
- Private Auckland Airport Transfer to/from Auckland Hotels -SUV: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland and Harbin 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 dayHarbin $14Auckland $27
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
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $89
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $91
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $104
- Local Auckland Food Tour : Explore the suburbs!: $167
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $52Auckland $27
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
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$120
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $178
- 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour to Lucas Creek Waterfall: $67
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $127
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $112
- All Auckland City Hotels to Cruise Ship / Port: $49
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $113
- Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $67
- Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour: $205
- Auckland City Highlights Experience - Fully Guided Small Group Day Tour: $197
- Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $95
- Auckland City Highlights and Hidden Gems Half Day Tour: $98
- Auckland City Highlights, Afternoon Piha Beach & Rainforest Tour: $164
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.83Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $92
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $131
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $148
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $148
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $151
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $169
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $173
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $179
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Harbin is in Asia and Auckland 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 Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Auckland?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Auckland, 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 Harbin or Auckland?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Harbin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Harbin or Auckland in the Summer?
Both Auckland and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
Harbin is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Harbin. In July, Harbin usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Auckland in the Autumn?
Both Auckland and Harbin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Harbin is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Harbin in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Aucklandin April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Auckland in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Auckland. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Harbin. In January, Harbin is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around -18°C (-0°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Auckland in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Auckland. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Harbin is much colder than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.
Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Harbin
| Harbin | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.