Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Harbin or Brisbane?
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 Brisbane can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Brisbane?
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.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $54Brisbane $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $54, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $131. 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 Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Brisbane $81
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Brisbane? 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.49Brisbane $17
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
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin West Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $60
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $40
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
-
Airtrain to the City$9.73
-
Go Card$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $18
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $123
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $91
- Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City to Cruise Port: $91
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Port to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Cruise Port to Brisbane: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane Port: $33
- Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $297
- Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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
-
Food Meals for one dayHarbin $14Brisbane $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- 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
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
-
Hamburger Lunch$5.19
-
Cup of Coffee$1.95
-
Chinese Food Lunch$8.11
-
Ice cream$3.57
-
Japanese Meal$13
-
Smoothie$4.22
-
Japanese Soup$7.46
-
Coffee & Muffin$4.54
-
Morning Mint Tea$2.27
-
Veggie Burger & Chips$9.08
-
Bread$1.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $163
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $52Brisbane $24
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
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- 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 City Walking Sightseeing : $198
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $43
- 2hr Animal Tour: $73
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $131
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
- Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $132
- Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
- Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.83Brisbane $50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
-
Evening at the Bar$9.73
-
Sixpack of Beer$9.08
-
Guiness Beer$5.51
-
Sixpack of Beer$8.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $49
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $102
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $124
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $131
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
- Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $142
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Brisbane?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Brisbane. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.
In the summer, Harbin is around the same temperature as Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Harbin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Harbin usually receives less rain than Brisbanein January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Brisbane in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Brisbane. Additionally, many travelers come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Brisbanein April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Brisbane in the Winter?
Both Brisbane and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Harbin. Harbin is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Brisbane in the Spring?
Both Brisbane and Harbin during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Harbin is much colder than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Brisbanein October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Harbin
| Harbin | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 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.