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

Should you visit Nanjing or Wellington?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Wellington? 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 Wellington?

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.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

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 New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Wellington 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 Wellington is $103. 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 Wellington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $46
    Wellington $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $92
    Wellington $120
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Wellington

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Wellington? 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 Wellington


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: Wellington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $38
    Wellington $12

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 Wellington

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

  • Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13
  • Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $72
  • Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $75
  • Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Wellington?

Prices for flights to both Wellington 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
    Wellington $29

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 Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $8.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

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

  • Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $151
  • A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.27
    Wellington $16

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

Tours and Activities in Wellington

For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.53
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Early Entry Ticket: $8.91
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Guided Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Mana Māori Tour: $12
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa Twilight Express Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Small Group Guided Tour: $14
  • Wellington Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Skip the Line: Staglands Wildlife Reserve Entry Ticket: $16
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
  • Wētā Workshop Experience in Wellington: $33
  • Wētā Workshop Experience and Guided Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.46
    Wellington $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

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

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $93
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $95
  • 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $151
  • Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $169
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $356


When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Wellington?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Wellington. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

Nanjing is much warmer than Wellington in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Wellington 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nanjing is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Wellington 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Wellington in the Winter?

Both Wellington and Nanjing during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Wellingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Wellington 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Wellington. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months.

Nanjing is a little warmer than Wellington in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Wellington 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Wellington and Nanjing

Nanjing Wellington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)