A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jinghong vs. Byron Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jinghong 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 Jinghong 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: Jinghong or Byron Bay?

Jinghong

Located in the southernmost part of the Yunnan Province, Jinghong is a city that attracts visitors each year with its rich culture and folklore, Buddhist temples, and tropical rainforest scenery of palms and mango trees amongst others. It is also an area popular with backpackers as well as a waypoint for travelers passing between China and Laos.

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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Jinghong?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jinghong is $62, 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 Jinghong and Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jinghong $20
    Byron Bay $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jinghong $40
    Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Jinghong and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Jinghong 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.

Hotels in Jinghong


Hotels in Byron Bay


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jinghong $25
    Byron 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 Jinghong or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Jinghong 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
    Jinghong $27
    Byron Bay $47

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jinghong $9.17
    Byron Bay $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

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


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $123
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jinghong $5.32
    Byron 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 Jinghong and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Jinghong much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jinghong 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 Jinghong would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jinghong 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 Jinghong.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jinghong Expensive? and Is Byron Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jinghong or Byron Bay?

Jinghong has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Jinghong and Byron Bay, 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.

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