Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Byron Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Byron Bay can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Byron Bay?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Byron Bay $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, 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 Hongcun and Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Byron Bay $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hongcun $12Byron 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 Hongcun or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Hongcun 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 dayHongcun $19Byron Bay $47
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.83
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.07
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Byron Bay $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$123
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Byron 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 Hongcun and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hongcun 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 Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Byron Bay Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Hongcun or Byron Bay in the Summer?
Both Byron Bay and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.
In July, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHongcun 29°C (85°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
Both Byron Bay and Hongcun during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Hongcun is around the same temperature as Byron Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F)in April.
Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHongcun 19°C (65°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Byron Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Byron Bay. Furthermore, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hongcun. In the winter, Hongcun is much colder than Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.
In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin July. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHongcun 4°C (40°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Byron Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Byron Bay. Additionally, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Hongcun is generally cooler than Byron Bayin October. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHongcun 17°C (62°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.