Which place is cheaper, Hong Kong or Kao-hsiung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Hong Kong?
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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?
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.
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKao-hsiung $102Hong Kong $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $102, while the average daily cost in Hong Kong is $159. 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 Hong Kong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKao-hsiung $56Hong Kong $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKao-hsiung $112Hong Kong $150
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Hong Kong
Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Hong Kong? 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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices and Hong Kong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kao-hsiung $11Hong Kong $8.70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $71
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $79
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $71
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port: $79
- Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $76
- Kaohsiung International Airport and Kaohsiung City Transfer: $41
- Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Taitung Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $152
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $49
- Explore Kaohsiung - 8 Hours Private Transfers - Best of Kaohsiung Sites: $179
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:
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MTR (for 2)$2.81
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Local Bus$2.81
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Ferry Ticket$0.26
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Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket$14
Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Hong Kong?
Prices for flights to both Hong Kong 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
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Food Meals for one dayKao-hsiung $32Hong Kong $33
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kao-hsiung $20Hong Kong $95
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $160
- Day Tour to Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower and Anping Castle : $87
- Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
- Half-day tour Kaohsiung: $103
- Kaohsiung /Pingtung Day Tour : $150
- Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
- Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $150
- Kaohsiung Walking Day Tour: $130
- Kaohsiung: Experience the Riverside : $159
- Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: $75
- Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour: $100
- Private Tour Alishan Culture and Ecology from Kaohsiung: $156
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Peak Tram$7.66
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Madame Tussauds Hong Kong$24
Tours and Activities in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure: $110
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKao-hsiung $10Hong Kong $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kao-hsiung and Hong Kong, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Kao-hsiung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kao-hsiung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kao-hsiung 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong than you might in Kao-hsiung.
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 Hong Kong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kao-hsiung. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Hong Kong, 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.
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.