Which place is cheaper, Sydney or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Harbin or Sydney?
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 Sydney can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Sydney?
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.
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $54Sydney $273
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $54, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $273. 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 Sydney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Sydney $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Sydney $204
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Sydney? 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: Sydney Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.49Sydney $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$13
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Taxi to Airport$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- Try find your better than us!AirportTransfer inSydney APT-HTL SYD: $62
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Sydney HTL-APT (SYD): $62
- Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
- Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
- Private Transfer with Meet and Greet: $78
- Airport Shuttle Transfer to and from CBD Hotels: $36
- Sydney's Best Chauffeured Airport Arrival Transfers: $83
- Sydney to Sydney Airport (SYD) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Sydney Port Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City: $28
- Sydney International Airport to/from Sydney One Way Transfer: $47
- Sydney Airport to White Bay Port transfer: $27
- Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD Private Transfer: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Sydney?
Prices for flights to both Sydney 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 $14Sydney $44
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
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.60
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Lunch Special$9.73
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.73
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Meat Pies$3.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Lights Festival Pizza Cruise Tour in Vivid Sydney: $16
- VIVID Dinner Cruise with Complimentary Drink on Arrival: $36
- Vivid Sydney Harbor Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $46
- Admission to Vivid Dinner Cruise in Sydney : $46
- Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $50
- Sydney Street Art & Food Tour: $53
- Christmas in July Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $56
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $58
- Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Vivid Dinner Cruise: $58
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
- Small Group Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet at Bohemian Cafe: $63
- Kids Cooking Classes: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $52Sydney $31
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
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Small Group Tour to Harbin Siberian Park Tiger: $200
- Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
- Songhua River Boat Tour and Food Experience in Harbin: $230
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$29
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$30
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$124
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Powerhouse Museum$9.76
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Bus Tour: $228
- 2 Hours Sydney Harbour's True Crime Cruise Tour: $36
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Sydney Harbour National Park : $36
- 3 Hours Abba Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $65
- 3 Hr Whale Watching Discovery Cruise in Sydney: $72
- 3-Hour Private Bike Tour with a Local Sydney Guide: $227
- 3.5 Hours Explore Bondi Beach and Sydney Sightseeing Tour: $195
- 4-Hour Freediving Taster Experience at Shelly Beach, Manly: $182
- Allianz Stadium Guided Walking Tour: $17
- Art Gallery of NSW: State of the Art Gallery Tour: $29
- Australia: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $11
- Australian National Maritime Museum: All-Inclusive Ticket: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.83Sydney $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- Haunted Pub Tour with Local Guide: $20
- Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Private Wine Tour and Tasting: $56
- Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $56
- Beach and Brew - Hike and Brewery (Men and Women): $73
- Balmain Pub Walking Tour: $76
- Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $83
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $102
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $111
- Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting: $121
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $143
- From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $147
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Sydney?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Harbin. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Sydney, 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 Sydney?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?
Both Sydney and Harbin during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Harbin is around the same temperature as Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. Harbin usually gets more rain in July than Sydneyin January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Sydney 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Sydney in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Sydney. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Harbin usually receives less rain than Sydneyin April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Sydney 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Sydney in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Sydney. Additionally, most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Harbin can get quite cold in the winter. Harbin is much colder than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.
Harbin usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Sydney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Sydney in the Spring?
Both Sydney and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Harbin is much colder than Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.
In April, Harbin usually receives less rain than Sydneyin October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Sydney 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Sydney and Harbin
| Harbin | Sydney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.