Which place is cheaper, Datong or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Harbin or Datong?
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 Datong can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Datong?
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.
Datong
If you're looking for an old world city, with a renovated feel, you might want to spend some time in Datong, China. This city was once walled-in and the newest initiative is to rebuild their great wall to maintain their old world charm. Datong is definitely done a lot to make itself a contender in the world of vacation destinations.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Harbin Prices
China PricesDatong Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $64Datong $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $64, while the average daily cost in Datong is $70. 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 Datong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $20Datong $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $40Datong $46
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Datong
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Datong? 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.Harbin $1.48Datong $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Private Day Transfer to Jihua Ski Resort from Harbin City: $300
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Harbin Sun Island Snow Fair tickets and Transfer Service: $128
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $122
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin South Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $80
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin South Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $80
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Datong
Also for Datong, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Datong Railway Stations to Hotels in City Center: $35
- Private Transfer Service from Yungang Airport to Datong Hotel: $29
- Private Round-Trip Transfer Service to Hanging Temple and Hengshan from Datong: $118
- Private One Way Transfer from Datong to Beijing : $211
- From 4-Day Private Tour to Pingyao with Transfer: $988
- Dunhuang Private Round Trip Transfer to Jiayuguan and Xuanbi Great Wall : $100
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $12
- Datong Hanging Temple Private Transfer from Hotel or Station: $69
- Chengdu: Private Round-Trip Transfer to Leshan Budda: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Datong?
Prices for flights to both Datong 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 $24Datong $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $52Datong $25
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 3 Hours Harbin Frozen Songhua River Sightseeing: $200
- 4Hour Tour Heilongjiang Museum to Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: $250
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- 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 China's Pavilion Garden and Gogol Street Private Tour with Chunbing Lunch: $300
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
Tours and Activities in Datong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Datong.
- 1 Day Datong Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple Tour/from Beijing: $275
- 1-Day Pingyao tour from Datong and ends of Beijing or Xi'an by Bullet Train: $267
- 2-Day Private Datong Tour:Hanging Temple, Yugang Grottoes,Wooden Pagoda and More: $298
- 4-8 hours Private Datong Great Wall Tour: $99
- All Inclusive Datong Private Day Tour to Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes : $268
- All Inclusive Datong Private Tour to Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: $238
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Hanging Temple at Hengshan from Datong : $188
- All-Inclusive Private Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple from Datong: $220
- Beijing : Forbidden City Entry Ticket: $29
- Datong Classic Day Tour: $189
- Datong Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple: $203
- Datong Hanging Temple Wooden Pagoda Self-guided Tour by Car: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.78Datong $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When comparing the travel costs between Harbin and Datong, we can see that Datong 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 Harbin Expensive? and Is Datong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Datong?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Datong. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Datong, 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.
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.