A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nanjing vs. Byron Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nanjing or Byron Bay?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay?

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.

Byron Bay

South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Nanjing?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $139. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $46
    Byron Bay $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $92
    Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Byron Bay? 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 Nanjing


Hotels in Byron Bay


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: Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $38
    Byron Bay $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
  • Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Nanjing Any Railway Station: $34
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing Railway Station: $44
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:

  • Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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 day
    Nanjing $28
    Byron Bay $47

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
  • Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.27
    Byron Bay $35

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122

Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $123
  • Surf Lesson
    $42

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $32
  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $32
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $39
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $45
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $45
  • Sunset Brunswick River Nature Kayak Tour: $46
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $46
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $46
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $46
  • From Byron: Half Day Learn to Surf Tour: $52
  • Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $52
  • Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.46
    Byron Bay $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $97
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $99
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $127
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $129


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Byron Bay?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Byron Bay. Furthermore, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nanjing is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Byron Bay. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nanjing is cooler than Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Byron Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Byron Bay in the Spring?

Both Byron Bay and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Nanjing is cooler than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Nanjing

Nanjing Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)