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

Should you visit Hefei or Sydney?

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

Should I visit Hefei or Sydney? 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 Sydney?

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.

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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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 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 Hefei and Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hefei $28
    Sydney $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hefei $56
    Sydney $204
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Hefei 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.

Hotels in Hefei


Hotels in Sydney


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hefei $17
    Sydney $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $165
  • Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $295
  • Airport Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD by Business Car: $103
  • Airport Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD by Luxury Van: $114
  • Airport transfers and shuttle bus - home/hotels: $196
  • Arrival Transfer from Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney city by Sedan: $98
  • Arrival Transfer: Sydney Airport SYD to Sydney in Business Car: $103
  • Departure Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD in Business Car: $103
  • Departure Transfer: Sydney to Sydney Airport SYD in Luxury Van: $114
  • Family Sydney Airport Departure Transfer: $86
  • From Sydney Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Sydney: $67
  • From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $195

Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney 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
    Sydney $44

Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.60
  • Lunch Special
    $9.73
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.73
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hefei $19
    Sydney $31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $124
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.76

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Spirits of Sydney - Self Guided Ghost Tour of the Rocks Area: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Australia: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Secret Laneways Scavenger Hunt Adventure Game: $16
  • Unlock The Rocks Scavenger Hunt Adventure Game: $16
  • Australian National Maritime Museum: All-Inclusive Ticket: $16
  • Botanic Garden Self-Guided Adventure Hunt for Kids: $16
  • Allianz Stadium Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Broken Bay Pearl & Oyster Farm Tours: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hefei $11
    Sydney $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • 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 Hefei and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 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 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 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 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 Sydney Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hefei or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Hefei 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 Hefei 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 Hefei has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hefei or Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hefei is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hefei in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Hefei. In July, Hefei usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hefei 29°C (83°F) 
    Sydney 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Hefei during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hefei is generally around the same temperature as Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 18°C (64°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hefei usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hefei 18°C (64°F) 
    Sydney 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Sydney. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hefei can be very cold during winter. Hefei is much colder than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hefei 3°C (38°F) 
    Sydney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Sydney. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

In the spring, Hefei is around the same temperature as Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hefei in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

Hefei usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hefei 16°C (61°F) 
    Sydney 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Sydney and Hefei

Hefei Sydney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in) 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)