A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kao-hsiung vs. Guangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Guangzhou?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kao-hsiung and Guangzhou 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: Kao-hsiung or Guangzhou?

Kao-hsiung

Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Kao-hsiung?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $102, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Kao-hsiung and Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kao-hsiung $56
    Guangzhou $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kao-hsiung $112
    Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Guangzhou? 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 Kao-hsiung


Hotels in Guangzhou


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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $11
    Guangzhou $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:

  • Explore Kaohsiung - 8 Hours Private Transfers - Best of Kaohsiung Sites: $179
  • Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $49
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Taitung Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $152
  • Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
  • Kaohsiung International Airport and Kaohsiung City Transfer: $41
  • Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $71
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $34
  • Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport(CAN): $35
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
  • Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Kao-hsiung 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
    Kao-hsiung $32
    Guangzhou $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

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

  • Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
  • Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $110
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $20
    Guangzhou $18

Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:

  • Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
  • Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: $75
  • Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
  • Day Tour to Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower and Anping Castle : $87
  • Tainan Siraya Nature and Culture One Day Tour: $90
  • Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour: $100
  • Half-day tour Kaohsiung: $103
  • Kaohsiung Walking Day Tour: $130
  • Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $150
  • Kaohsiung /Pingtung Day Tour : $150
  • Private Tour Tainan Ancient Capital and Wushantou Reservoir: $156
  • Private Tour Alishan Culture and Ecology from Kaohsiung: $156

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
  • Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
  • Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
  • Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
  • Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
  • Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kao-hsiung $10
    Guangzhou $14


When comparing the travel costs between Kao-hsiung and Guangzhou, we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kao-hsiung Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kao-hsiung. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Guangzhou, 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.