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

Should you visit Nanjing or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Wollongong? 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 Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Wollongong 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 Wollongong is $121. 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 Wollongong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $46
    Wollongong $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $92
    Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Wollongong

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Wollongong? 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 Wollongong


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: Wollongong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $38
    Wollongong $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
  • Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $163
  • Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $120
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $114
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing: $94
  • Nanjing to Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $90
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing Lukou Airport: $88
  • Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing : $88
  • Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
  • Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Wollongong?

Prices for flights to both Wollongong 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
    Wollongong $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
  • 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 Wollongong

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:


  • Lunch
    $7.79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.27
    Wollongong $22

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.46
    Wollongong $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Wollongong?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

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

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

In the summer, Nanjing is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Wollongong 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Wollongong in the Autumn?

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

In October, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Wollongongin April. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Wollongong 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Wollongong. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Wollongong 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Wollongong in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Nanjing is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Wollongong 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Nanjing

Nanjing Wollongong
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)