Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Hong Kong?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hong Kong or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong or Harbin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Hong Kong or Harbin?
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHong Kong $159Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Hong Kong is $159, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Hong Kong and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHong Kong $75Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHong Kong $150Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Hong Kong and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Hong Kong or Harbin? 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: Hong Kong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hong Kong $8.70Harbin $1.50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:
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MTR (for 2)$2.81
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Local Bus$2.81
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Ferry Ticket$0.26
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Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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 Departure Transfer to Harbin West Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $114
- 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 Hong Kong or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Hong Kong 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 dayHong Kong $33Harbin $14
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hong Kong $95Harbin $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Peak Tram$7.66
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Madame Tussauds Hong Kong$24
Tours and Activities in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure: $115
- Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure: $109
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
- All-Inclusive Harbin Jewish Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- 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
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHong Kong $21Harbin $7.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hong Kong and Harbin, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Harbin?
Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Harbin. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong and Harbin, 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.
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.