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

Should you visit Nanjing or Gold Coast?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast?

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.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Nanjing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $119. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Gold Coast $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Gold Coast

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast


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.
    Nanjing $39
    Gold Coast $23

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast

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

  • Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Business Car: $112
  • Brisbane and Gold Coast Personal Airport Private Transfer: $121
  • Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $132
  • From Gold Coast : Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $132
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $139
  • Gold Coast Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $21
  • Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
  • Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
  • OOL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $42
  • Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Gold Coast?

Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 $49
    Gold Coast $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
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast

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

  • Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
  • Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
  • Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $310

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Gold Coast $19

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

Tours and Activities in Gold Coast

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

  • Spring Brook National Park Driving Tour with an APP: $15
  • Spring Brook National Park Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Midday River and Canal Cruise: $15
  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing City Lights Cruise: $21
  • Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Morning River and Canal Cruise: $21
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $22
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $23
  • Surfers Paradise: Cruise, HOTA Gallery Entry, & Dining Pass: $26
  • Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise: $29
  • Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Cruise: $30
  • Surfers Paradise: IceBar Entry Ticket and Drink: $32
  • Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Gold Coast $5.23

Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:

  • Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tour & Tasting: $17
  • Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
  • Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
  • Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
  • Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
  • Craft Your Own Spirit at Tamborine Mountain Distillery: $124
  • Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
  • Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
  • Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
  • Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $168
  • Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
  • Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $959


When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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. Even though Nanjing is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Gold Coast?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

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

Both Gold Coast and Nanjing during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

In the summer, Nanjing is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coastin January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Gold Coast. Furthermore, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Nanjing is generally cooler than Gold Coastin April. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Gold Coast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Gold Coast. Additionally, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. Nanjing is much colder than Gold Coast in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Nanjing is cooler than Gold Coast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coastin October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Nanjing

Nanjing Gold Coast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 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) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)