Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Nanjing?
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 Nanjing or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Darwin? 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Nanjing Prices
China PricesDarwin Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Darwin $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Darwin 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Darwin $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Darwin? 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: Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Darwin $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$9.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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
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Food Meals for one dayNanjing $49Darwin $65
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $112
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $112
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $113
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $113
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $132
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Darwin $15
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- Aquascene Fish Feeding Experience: $11
- Explore Delightful Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Adelaide River Queen Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $27
- Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $32
- Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $33
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
- Darwin History and Wartime Experience Tour: $40
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
- Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $43
- 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $43
- Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.58
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Darwin?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Darwin. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Darwin in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in January.
Darwin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryNanjing 28°C (83°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Darwin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Darwin. Also, most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Nanjing is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.
Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Darwinin April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilNanjing 17°C (63°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Darwin in the Winter?
Both Darwin and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nanjing can be very cold during winter. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Darwinin July. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyNanjing 3°C (37°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Darwin in the Spring?
Both Darwin and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
Nanjing is much colder than Darwin in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberNanjing 15°C (60°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.