Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Nanchang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nanchang or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nanchang and Harbin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Nanchang or Harbin?
Nanchang
Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, and transportation.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanchang $58Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanchang is $58, 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 Nanchang and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanchang $20Harbin $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanchang $40Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Nanchang and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Nanchang 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.
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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanchang $11Harbin $1.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $114
- 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
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanchang or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Nanchang 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 dayNanchang $32Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanchang $4.57Harbin $53
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
- All-Inclusive Harbin Jewish Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- 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 Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanchang $6.32Harbin $7.85
When comparing the travel costs between Nanchang and Harbin, we can see that Nanchang 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 Nanchang Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanchang or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Nanchang. When comparing the sizes of Nanchang and Harbin, 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.
When is the best time to visit Nanchang or Harbin?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Nanchang or Harbin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanchang and Harbin.
Nanchang is a little warmer than Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanchang averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Harbin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanchang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanchang usually receives less rain than Harbin. Nanchang gets 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanchang 30°C (86°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nanchang or Harbin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nanchang as well as Harbin.
In the autumn, Nanchang is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanchang in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Nanchang usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Nanchang gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanchang 20°C (68°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Nanchang or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Nanchang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Harbin can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nanchang is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nanchang average around 6°C (43°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Nanchang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nanchang gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanchang 6°C (43°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Nanchang or Harbin in the Spring?
Both Harbin and Nanchang during the spring are popular places to visit.
Nanchang is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanchang averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanchang. Nanchang usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Nanchang gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanchang 18°C (64°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Nanchang
| Nanchang | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (45°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 229 mm (9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (79°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (78°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
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.