Which place is cheaper, Hualien or Kao-hsiung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Hualien?
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 Hualien 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 Hualien?
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.
Hualien
If you're looking for hustle and bustle, head to Taipei. If you're looking for fresh air and the prettiest town by the sea, Hualien is the place to be. With many national parks to explore, cliffs and mountains to climb and beaches to get some rest and relaxation, there's plenty to do, especially for nature lovers and those who crave peace and quiet, away from the bigger cities in Taiwan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best Cultural Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan.
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Kao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan PricesHualien Prices
Taiwan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKao-hsiung $129Hualien $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $129, while the average daily cost in Hualien is $131. 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 Hualien in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKao-hsiung $58Hualien $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKao-hsiung $116Hualien $114
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Hualien
Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Hualien? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kao-hsiung $12Hualien $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer: $50
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port: $74
- Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $132
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
- Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $189
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hualien
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hualien:
- Private Transfer from Hualien Cruise Port to Taipei city hotels: $276
- Private Transfer from Hualien Port to Taipei Taoyuan Airport TPE: $276
Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Hualien?
Prices for flights to both Hualien 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 $56Hualien $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.
- Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kao-hsiung $21Hualien $20
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- Kenting Aquarium Admission Ticket in Taiwan: $28
- Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung: $33
- Kaohsiung Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: Fo Guang Shan x Lotus Pond x Pier-2: $62
- Kenting and Pingtung Popular Sightseeing Spot Tour From Kaohsiung: $65
- Maritime Kaohsiung Lotus Pond, Cijin Island and Love River Cruise: $65
- Kaohsiung City Walking and Night Market Tour: $70
- Kaohsiung Cultural Day: TourMoon World, Hakka Lei Cha DIY, Pier-2: $73
- Alishan Join-in Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $86
- Tainan Romantic Escape: Qipao Experience & Love Match Ceremony: $114
- Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour: $115
- Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: $115
Tours and Activities in Hualien
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hualien are as follows:
- Hualien Tour in Qixingtan Beach, Liyu Lake, and Lintianshan Park: $68
- Taroko, Qingshui Cliffs: Liyu Lake & Hualien Sugar Factory Tour: $75
- Hualien Changhong Bridge SUP Day tour: $85
- Shuimutin Exclusive SUP Day tour(Hualien to Taitung): $89
- 2026 Taroko Gorge Tour Excellent Cultural Stories , 8 Hours: $119
- Private Taroko Gorge English Guided Tour from Hualien City: $127
- Private East Coast & Jade Hunting Tour from Hualien: $137
- Full-Day Private Taroko National Park Tour from Hualien City: $149
- Taroko Gorge, Qingshui Cliffs & Qixingtan Beach Tour from Hualien: $159
- From Hualien Day Tour– Taroko Gorge & Scenic Coastal Views: $170
- Hualien Taroko National Park Guided Tour: $230
- Liyu Lake, Sugar Factory, and Ruisui Ranch Tour: $320
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKao-hsiung $10Hualien $14
When comparing the travel costs between Kao-hsiung and Hualien, we can see that Hualien 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 Hualien Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Hualien?
Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hualien. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Hualien, 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.