Which place is cheaper, Picton 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 Picton?
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 Picton can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Picton?
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.
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
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 New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Harbin Prices
China PricesPicton Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Picton $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. 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 Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Picton? 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: Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.52Picton -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton 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 $24Picton $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Picton
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Picton.
- CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Picton $109
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice and Snow World Ticket Booking: $51
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin Summer Indoor Ice and Snow World Tour: $136
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- 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 Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum and Sites in Harbin: $218
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $119
- 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $66
- Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour: $95
- Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $89
- Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $95
- Depart Marlborough Sounds Afternoon Seafood Cruise: $90
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour: $178
- From Havelock to Marlborough Sounds Postie's Day Off Cruise: $83
- From Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood: $104
- From Private Wine and Gourmet Tour of Marlborough: $575
- Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Picton $34
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
- Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $39
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
- Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
- CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
- Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
- Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Picton, we can see that Picton 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 Picton 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Picton?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 1080 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Picton, 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 Picton?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Picton. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Harbin is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
Harbin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Harbin usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Picton in the Autumn?
Both Picton and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Picton because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In October, Harbin usually receives less rain than Pictonin April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Picton in the Winter?
Both Picton and Harbin during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
The weather in Harbin can be very cold. Harbin is much colder than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.
Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Harbin usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Picton in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Picton. Furthermore, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm.
In the spring, Harbin is much colder than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.
In April, Harbin usually receives less rain than Pictonin October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Harbin
| Harbin | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.