Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Queenstown?
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 Queenstown 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Queenstown $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $104. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Queenstown $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Queenstown? 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: Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hongcun $12Queenstown $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- Queenstown Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Queenstown: $68
- From Mount Cook Transfer w/ Guided Landmark Tour: $104
- Private Transfer from Queenstown Airport to Milford Sound Port: $166
- Private Transfer from Queenstown to Milford Sound Cruise Port: $166
- Private Transfer from Queenstown Central to Wanaka: $178
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $178
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Central: $178
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $736
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $890
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $19Queenstown $36
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $18
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Queenstown $21
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 Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Time Tripper Underwater Experience: $8.91
- Skip the Line: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Queenstown Ticket: $19
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $20
- Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour: $23
- Escape Adventure AR Experience in Queenstown: $24
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $24
- Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $25
- Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $30
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $35
- Million Dollar Cruise in Queenstown: $36
- Kids Club Experience Including Childcare: $48
- Guided Segway Tour: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Queenstown $8.90
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $24
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $53
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Bannockburn - departing Queenstown: $60
- Afternoon brewery tour with lunch: $110
- Afternoon Wine Tasting Tour with 3 Wineries: $110
- Original Wine Tour: $112
- Classic Wine Tour: $118
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Vineyards, Caves and Cheeseboard: $120
- Wine Tasting Tour: $130
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $132
- The Ultimate Luxury Hop on Hop off Wine Tour: $138
- Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown Including Lunch: $144
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown 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 Queenstown 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 Queenstown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Queenstown 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 Queenstown Expensive?.
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.