A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hongcun vs. Darwin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hongcun or Darwin?

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 Darwin 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 Darwin?

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.

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Hongcun?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $111. 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 Darwin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hongcun $23
    Darwin $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hongcun $46
    Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Darwin

Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Darwin? 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 Hongcun


Hotels in Darwin


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: Darwin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hongcun $12
    Darwin $12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:


  • Shuttle to Train Station
    $9.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:

  • Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $59
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
  • Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $92
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Darwin?

Prices for flights to both Darwin 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hongcun $19
    Darwin $37
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.83
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.07

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.

  • Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $71
  • Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $85
  • Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $90
  • Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $96
  • Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hongcun $17
    Darwin $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

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


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Tours and Activities in Darwin

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

  • Darwin Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
  • 1 Hour Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $26
  • 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $30
  • Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $31
  • Darwin Shore Excursion: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $31
  • Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $31
  • Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $39
  • Jumping Crocodile Cruise At Crocodylus Park : $40
  • 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $42
  • Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $42
  • Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hongcun $14
    Darwin $13

Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $16
  • Glass of Wine
    $4.54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Darwin?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?

Both Darwin and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hongcun is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin January. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hongcun 29°C (85°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Darwin in the Autumn?

Both Darwin and Hongcun during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

Hongcun is much colder than Darwin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Darwinin April. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hongcun 19°C (65°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Darwin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Darwin. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Hongcun in the winter. In the winter, Hongcun is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Darwin averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.

In January, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hongcun 4°C (40°F) 
    Darwin 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Hongcun or Darwin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Darwin. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Hongcun is generally much colder than Darwinin October. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hongcun 17°C (62°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Darwin and Hongcun

Hongcun Darwin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 437 mm (17.2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 343 mm (13.5 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 342 mm (13.5 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)