Which place is cheaper, Katoomba 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 Katoomba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Katoomba? 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 Katoomba?
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.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.
-
Nanjing Prices
China PricesKatoomba Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Katoomba $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $148. 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 Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Katoomba $78
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Katoomba? 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: Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Katoomba $50
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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 $49Katoomba $30
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Katoomba $54
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 Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $99
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
- Blue Mountains Tour with Scenic World, Zoo&Bilingual Driver: $100
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
- Blue Mountains: Spectacular Half Day Abseiling Adventure: $116
- Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $117
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
- Small Group Blue Mountains Wildlife & Bushwalk Tour From Sydney: $120
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Katoomba?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Katoomba. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
Katoomba 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 Katoombain January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryNanjing 28°C (83°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Katoomba in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Katoomba. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.
Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Katoombain April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilNanjing 17°C (63°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Katoomba in the Winter?
Both Katoomba and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. In the winter, Nanjing is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.
In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Katoombain July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyNanjing 3°C (37°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Katoomba in the Spring?
Both Katoomba and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Nanjing is generally cooler than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberNanjing 15°C (60°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Katoomba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.