Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Surfers Paradise?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Surfers Paradise? 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 Surfers Paradise?
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.
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $96Surfers Paradise $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $104. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $46Surfers Paradise $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $92Surfers Paradise $132
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Surfers Paradise
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Surfers Paradise? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $38Surfers Paradise $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
- Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
- Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing Railway Station: $44
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing Lukou Airport: $88
- Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing : $88
- Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
- Private Transfer Between Tangshan Hot Spring Resort and Nanjing Lukou Airport: $49
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing: $94
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $149
- Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers: $293
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airports to Surfers Paradise: $106
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
- Private Transfer to Brisbane/BNE Airport from Gold Coast/OOL Airport( 1-7 pax): $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Surfers Paradise?
Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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 $28Surfers Paradise $26
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.27Surfers Paradise $23
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: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
- All-inclusive Customized Nanjing Layover Tour: $201
- Beijing Great Wall Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train with Private Car Service: $282
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $164
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Flexible Zhenjiang Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $197
- Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $165
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$78
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line:Wax Museum Ticket-World in Wax & Guided Tour of Chamber of Horrors: $22
- Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise Day Pass: $30
- Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $30
- Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $32
- Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $33
- Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $33
- Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $37
- Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $37
- Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $46
- Paradise SUP Tour: $47
- Half-Day Whale Watching and Canal Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $53
- Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.46Surfers Paradise $11
When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Surfers Paradise?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Surfers Paradise. Additionally, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nanjing is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Surfers Paradisein January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryNanjing 28°C (83°F)Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?
Both Surfers Paradise and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Nanjing is generally cooler than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilNanjing 17°C (63°F)Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?
Both Surfers Paradise and Nanjing during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nanjing can be very cold during winter. Nanjing is much colder than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyNanjing 3°C (37°F)Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Surfers Paradise. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.
In the spring, Nanjing is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberNanjing 15°C (60°F)Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Surfers Paradise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.