A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Harbin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lombok or Harbin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lombok and Harbin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lombok or Harbin?

Lombok

Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.

Harbin

Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.


Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Lombok?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Lombok and Harbin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lombok $29
    Harbin $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lombok $58
    Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Harbin

Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Harbin? 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 Lombok


Hotels in Harbin


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: Lombok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lombok $11
    Harbin $1.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok

Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Service to Lombok Airport : $22
  • Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $210
  • Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $152
  • Private Transfer from Sokong to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
  • Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
  • Private Transfer from Senggigi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
  • Private Transfer from Mataram to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
  • Private Transfer from Mangsit to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
  • Private Transfer from Lombok to Lombok International Airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Lombok hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Island Hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $33
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok Airport (LOP): $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin

Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
  • Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
  • Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
  • Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
  • Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
  • Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
  • Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
  • Private Departure Transfer to Harbin West Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
  • Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $40
  • Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Harbin?

Prices for flights to both Harbin and Lombok 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
    Lombok $12
    Harbin $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok

For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
  • Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
  • Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
  • Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
  • Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
  • Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin

For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
  • Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
  • Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lombok $10
    Harbin $52

Tours and Activities in Lombok

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.

  • 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $169
  • 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
  • 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $221
  • 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $269
  • 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
  • Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
  • Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
  • Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
  • Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $89
  • Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
  • Cultural Tour of Lombok with English Speaking Guide: $63
  • Daily Tour: $70

Tours and Activities in Harbin

For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
  • 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
  • From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
  • Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
  • Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
  • Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
  • Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
  • Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
  • Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
  • Harbin City Walking Sightseeing : $198
  • Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lombok $8.15
    Harbin $7.83


When comparing the travel costs between Lombok and Harbin, we can see that Harbin 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 Lombok Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Lombok or Harbin?

Harbin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lombok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Harbin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Harbin receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Harbin. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lombok 26°C (79°F) 
    Harbin 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Harbin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Harbin. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Lombok is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Lombok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Harbin 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Harbin in the Winter?

Both Harbin and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.

The weather in Harbin can be very cold. In January, Lombok is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).

In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Harbin. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Harbin -18°C (-0°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Harbin in the Spring?

Both Harbin and Lombok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Lombok is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Lombok usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Harbin 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Harbin and Lombok

Lombok Harbin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) -18°C (-0°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) -14°C (7°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) -3°C (26°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) -4°C (24°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) -14°C (7°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)


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