A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hefei vs. Byron Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hefei or Byron Bay?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hefei or Byron Bay? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hefei or Byron Bay?

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

Byron Bay

South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Hefei?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hefei is $62, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $139. 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 Hefei and Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hefei $28
    Byron Bay $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hefei $56
    Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Hefei or Byron Bay? 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 Hefei


Hotels in Byron Bay


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: Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hefei $17
    Byron Bay $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:

  • Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Hefei 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
    Hefei $21
    Byron Bay $47

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hefei $19
    Byron Bay $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $123
  • Surf Lesson
    $42

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $32
  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $32
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $39
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $45
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $45
  • Sunset Brunswick River Nature Kayak Tour: $46
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $46
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $46
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $46
  • From Byron: Half Day Learn to Surf Tour: $52
  • Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $52
  • Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hefei $11
    Byron Bay $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $97
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $99
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $127
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $129


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hefei and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hefei is in Asia and Byron Bay 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 Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay than you might in Hefei.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hefei Expensive? and Is Byron Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hefei or Byron Bay?

Hefei has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Hefei and Byron Bay, 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 Hefei or Byron Bay?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Byron Bay is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hefei has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hefei or Byron Bay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Byron Bay. Furthermore, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hefei is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hefei gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hefei usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hefei 29°C (83°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Byron Bay. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hefei is cooler than Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hefei in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Hefei usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hefei 18°C (64°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

The weather in Hefei can be very cold. In January, Hefei is generally much colder than Byron Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 3°C (38°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Hefei usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin July. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hefei 3°C (38°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Byron Bay in the Spring?

Both Byron Bay and Hefei during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Hefei is cooler than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.

Hefei usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Byron Bayin October. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hefei 16°C (61°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Hefei

Hefei Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)