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

Should you visit Shenyang or Gold Coast?

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

Should I visit Shenyang or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast?

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!

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.

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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast is $119. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenyang $41
    Gold Coast $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenyang $82
    Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Shenyang and Gold Coast

Looking for a hotel in Shenyang or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenyang $20
    Gold Coast $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast

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

  • Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer Sydney CBD: $22
  • Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
  • Private Transfer Gold Coast Airport OOL to City Centre/Brisbane: $48
  • Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $140
  • Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer: $74
  • OOL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $42
  • Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
  • Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
  • Gold Coast Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $21
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $139
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
  • From Gold Coast : Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenyang or Gold Coast?

Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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
    Gold Coast $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast

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

  • Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
  • Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
  • Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $310

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenyang $7.81
    Gold Coast $19

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 Gold Coast

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.

  • 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $201
  • 2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $44
  • 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $58
  • 2-Day Dreamworld and SkyPoint Admission Ticket: $87
  • 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $268
  • 3-Day Unlimited Dreamworld, WhiteWater World & SkyPoint Ticket: $107
  • Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $39
  • Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $221
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Book Private Tour for Banff-Yoho-Kootenay & Jasper Parks: $682
  • Brisbane: Springbrook 7 Waterfalls and Natural Bridge Tour: $125
  • Brisbane: Winery Tour with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $198

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenyang $5.91
    Gold Coast $5.23

Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:

  • Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tour & Tasting: $17
  • Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
  • Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
  • Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
  • Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
  • Craft Your Own Spirit at Tamborine Mountain Distillery: $124
  • Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
  • Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
  • Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
  • Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $168
  • Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
  • Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $959


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


Which is Bigger, Shenyang or Gold Coast?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Shenyang and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenyang and Gold Coast. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

In the summer, Shenyang is around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenyang in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenyang usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Shenyang gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenyang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenyang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coastin January. Shenyang gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F) 
    Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenyang as well as Gold Coast. Additionally, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Shenyang is generally much colder than Gold Coastin April. Daily temperatures in Shenyang average around 10°C (51°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. In the autumn, Shenyang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coastin April. Shenyang gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Shenyang usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Shenyang gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F) 
    Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast and Shenyang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenyang. Shenyang is much colder than Gold Coast in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around -11°C (13°F) in January, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Shenyang usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Shenyang gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shenyang usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Shenyang gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F) 
    Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Shenyang during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Shenyang is much colder than Gold Coast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenyang in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shenyang. In the spring, Shenyang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coastin October. Shenyang gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shenyang usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Shenyang gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F) 
    Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Shenyang

Shenyang Gold Coast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)