Which place is cheaper, Wellington or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Wellington?
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 Wellington 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 Wellington?
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.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Wellington $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Wellington is $103. 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 Wellington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Wellington $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Wellington $120
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Wellington
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Wellington? 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: Wellington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hongcun $12Wellington $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13
- Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13
- Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $26
- Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $61
- Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $72
- Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $75
- Private Airport Transfer: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Wellington?
Prices for flights to both Wellington 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 $19Wellington $29
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 Wellington
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$8.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $151
- A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Wellington $16
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
Tours and Activities in Wellington
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.53
- Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Early Entry Ticket: $8.91
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Guided Tour: $12
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Mana Māori Tour: $12
- Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa Twilight Express Tour: $12
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Small Group Guided Tour: $14
- Wellington Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Staglands Wildlife Reserve Entry Ticket: $16
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
- Wētā Workshop Experience in Wellington: $33
- Wētā Workshop Experience and Guided Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Wellington $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $93
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $95
- 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $151
- Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $169
- Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $356
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Wellington?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?
Both Wellington and Hongcun during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hongcun is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin January. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHongcun 29°C (85°F)Wellington 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Wellington in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Wellington. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
Hongcun is a little warmer than Wellington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.
In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin April. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHongcun 19°C (65°F)Wellington 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Wellington in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Wellington. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hongcun can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hongcun is much colder than Wellington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Wellington averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Wellington. Hongcun usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHongcun 4°C (40°F)Wellington 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Wellington in the Spring?
Both Wellington and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.
In April, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Wellingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin October. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHongcun 17°C (62°F)Wellington 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Wellington and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Wellington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.