A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenyang vs. Darwin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenyang or Darwin?

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

Should I visit Shenyang or Darwin? 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: Shenyang or Darwin?

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Shenyang?

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 Shenyang is $85, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $139. 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 Shenyang and Darwin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenyang $41
    Darwin $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenyang $82
    Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Shenyang and Darwin

Looking for a hotel in Shenyang or Darwin? 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 Shenyang


Hotels in Darwin


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: Darwin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenyang $20
    Darwin $12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:


  • Shuttle to Train Station
    $9.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:

  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $87
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $87
  • DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
  • Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $101

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenyang or Darwin?

Prices for flights to both Darwin and Shenyang 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
    Shenyang $32
    Darwin $65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.

  • Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
  • Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
  • Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
  • Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $111
  • Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $111
  • Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $113
  • Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $113
  • Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenyang $7.81
    Darwin $15

Tours and Activities in Shenyang

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

  • Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350

Tours and Activities in Darwin

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:

  • 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $151
  • 1 Day Litchfield Waterfalls Tour: $107
  • 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
  • Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
  • Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill Full Day Tour from Darwin: $232
  • Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $91
  • Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $100
  • Corroboree Billabong 2.5 hour Lunch Cruise: $77
  • Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
  • Darwin City Explorer Tour: $111
  • Darwin City Tour + Crocodile Cruise+Lunch Optional: $84
  • Darwin Combo: The Bombing of Darwin Experience & Darwin Harbour Cruise: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenyang $5.91
    Darwin $13

Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $16
  • Glass of Wine
    $4.58


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenyang and Darwin, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenyang is in Asia and Darwin 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 Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin than you might in Shenyang.

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


Which is Bigger, Shenyang or Darwin?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Shenyang and Darwin, 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 Shenyang or Darwin?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shenyang has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shenyang or Darwin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shenyang as well as Darwin. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenyang is cooler than Darwin in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. In the summer, Shenyang often gets more sunshine than Darwinin January. Shenyang gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Darwin. Shenyang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenyang usually gets less rain in July than Darwinin January. Shenyang gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Darwin in the Autumn?

Both Darwin and Shenyang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Shenyang is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenyang in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Darwin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. Shenyang usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during autumn. Shenyang gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shenyang usually receives less rain than Darwinin April. Shenyang gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Darwin in the Winter?

Both Darwin and Shenyang during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shenyang can be very cold during winter. In January, Shenyang is generally much colder than Darwinin July. Daily temperatures in Shenyang average around -11°C (13°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shenyang often gets less sunshine than Darwinin July. Shenyang gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun.

Shenyang usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Shenyang gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F) 
    Darwin 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Darwin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenyang and Darwin. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

Shenyang is much colder than Darwin in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenyang usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during spring. Shenyang gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Shenyang usually receives less rain than Darwinin October. Shenyang gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Darwin and Shenyang

Shenyang Darwin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 437 mm (17.2 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 343 mm (13.5 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 342 mm (13.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in) 26°C (79°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 28°C (83°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)