Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nanjing or Brisbane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Brisbane? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Nanjing or Brisbane?
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
-
Nanjing Prices
China PricesBrisbane Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Brisbane $154
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $154. 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 Nanjing and Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Brisbane $81
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Brisbane? 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Brisbane $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Private Day Tour: Nanjing City Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $285
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Nanjing to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
- Nanjing to Wuxi Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $88
- Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
-
Airtrain to the City$9.81
-
Go Card$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Brisbane International Cruise Terminal Transfers: $19
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Luxury Car: $151
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
- Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $112
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Brisbane: $22
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $56
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Sunshine Coast: $59
- Brisbane Bathhouse Circuit and 4 Course Lunch with Transfer: $268
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $226
- Brisbane hotels to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $85
- Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- BNE Airport to City | Gold Coast Private Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Nanjing 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 dayNanjing $49Brisbane $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
-
Hamburger Lunch$5.23
-
Cup of Coffee$1.96
-
Chinese Food Lunch$8.18
-
Ice cream$3.60
-
Japanese Meal$14
-
Smoothie$4.25
-
Japanese Soup$7.52
-
Coffee & Muffin$4.58
-
Morning Mint Tea$2.29
-
Veggie Burger & Chips$9.16
-
Bread$1.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gold Coast: Glow Worms, Sunset & Stargazing with BBQ dinner: $118
- Glow Worms, Sunset, Telescope Stargazing & Dinner: $133
- Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $165
- Local Icons Food Tour: $354
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Brisbane $24
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
- Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
- Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Convict Colonial Brisbane GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $16
- Tour, Taste & Camel Encounter: $17
- True Crime Tour: $22
- Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $22
- Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
- True Crime Walking Tour: $25
- Haunted CBD Ghost Tour: $25
- Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $26
- Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $26
- Adventure Theme Scavenger Hunt Experience in Brisbane: $27
- Boggo Road Gaol Ghost and Gallows Tour: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Brisbane $50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
-
Evening at the Bar$9.81
-
Sixpack of Beer$9.16
-
Guiness Beer$5.56
-
Sixpack of Beer$8.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $101
- Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $107
- Hop on Hop off Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $111
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $116
- Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour : $134
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $140
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $165
- One Hump Camel Farm and Wine Tour: $178
- Luxury Winery Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Nanjing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nanjing is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nanjing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanjing 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Nanjing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Brisbane?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Brisbane, 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 Nanjing or Brisbane?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nanjing has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Nanjing or Brisbane in the Summer?
Both Brisbane and Nanjing during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nanjing is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Brisbanein January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryNanjing 28°C (83°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Brisbane in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Brisbane. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Nanjing is generally cooler than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Brisbanein April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilNanjing 17°C (63°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Brisbane in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Brisbane. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. Nanjing is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Brisbanein July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyNanjing 3°C (37°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Brisbane in the Spring?
Both Brisbane and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Nanjing is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberNanjing 15°C (60°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 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.