Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Harbin or Gold Coast?
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 Gold Coast can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $54Gold Coast $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $54, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $98. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Gold Coast? 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 $1.49Gold Coast $23
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
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $137
- Movie World To Brisbane Hotel One Way Transfer: $26
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Cruise Transfers: $154
- Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Tangalooma Desert Safari Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Tangalooma Beach Day Cruise with Bus Transfers: $114
- Australia Zoo Ticket and Roundtrip Transfer: $101
- Airport to Hotel Return Transfer: $21
- Gold Coast Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Gold Coast: $73
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $126
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 $14Gold Coast $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $72
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $52Gold Coast $19
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
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $184
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $50
- 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $264
- 2.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $43
- 2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour: $52
- 3-Day Ticket: Dreamworld with WhiteWaterWorld & SkyPoint: $97
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $36
- Arro Jet Boating Experience, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast: $52
- Breakfast sailing cruise includes snacks & drinks: $79
- Brisbane: Winery Tour with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $150
- Broadwater Morning Cruise: $39
- Broadwater Morning Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.83Gold Coast $5.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $124
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Gold Coast?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Gold Coast. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Harbin is around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Gold Coast 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 Gold Coastin January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Gold Coast. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Gold Coastin April. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Gold Coast in the Winter?
Both Gold Coast and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. Harbin is much colder than Gold Coast in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Gold Coast in the Spring?
Both Gold Coast and Harbin during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Harbin is much colder than Gold Coast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Harbin
| Harbin | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.