A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Harbin vs. Rockhampton for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Harbin or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Harbin or Rockhampton?

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.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a city in Queensland, Australia with a population of around 75,000. It dates back to 1855 and historically the economy was driven by gold, mining, and agriculture. Today it feels more bustling than you would expect in an "outback town." There's traffic, suburban sprawl, and continuing growth and development. The city sits on the Fitzroy River about 45 kilometers from the river's mouth.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Rockhampton or Harbin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $54, while the average daily cost in Rockhampton is $170. 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 Rockhampton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Harbin $21
    Rockhampton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Harbin $42
    Rockhampton $202
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Rockhampton

Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Rockhampton? 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.

Hotels in Harbin


Hotels in Rockhampton


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: Rockhampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Harbin $1.49
    Rockhampton $19

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Rockhampton?

Prices for flights to both Rockhampton 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 day
    Harbin $14
    Rockhampton $49

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Harbin $52
    Rockhampton $40

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Harbin $7.83
    Rockhampton $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Harbin or Rockhampton?

Harbin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Rockhampton. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Harbin is cooler than Rockhampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rockhampton. It's quite rainy in Harbin. In July, Harbin usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Harbin 24°C (75°F) 
    Rockhampton 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Harbin or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton and Harbin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Rockhamptonin April. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Harbin 7°C (44°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Harbin or Rockhampton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Rockhampton. Also, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. Harbin is much colder than Rockhampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.

In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Rockhamptonin July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Harbin -18°C (-0°F) 
    Rockhampton 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Harbin or Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Rockhampton. Also, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Harbin is much colder than Rockhampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in October.

Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Harbin 8°C (46°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Harbin

Harbin Rockhampton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -18°C (-0°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Feb -14°C (7°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Mar -3°C (26°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in) 16°C (61°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 7°C (44°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -14°C (7°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)