Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Suzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Suzhou or Katoomba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Suzhou and Katoomba can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Suzhou or Katoomba?
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySuzhou $101Katoomba $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $101, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $134. 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 Suzhou and Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSuzhou $38Katoomba $77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSuzhou $76Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Suzhou or Katoomba? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Suzhou $57Katoomba $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba and Suzhou 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 daySuzhou $32Katoomba $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Suzhou $9.32Katoomba $53
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
- Private Tour of Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road: $144
Tours and Activities in Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
- Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $83
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $97
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $98
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $107
- Small-Group Blue Mountains Tour with Bush Walks and Featherdale Wildlife Park: $116
- 4Hrs at Wolgan Valley Birdwatching Experience: $129
- Truffle Hunt and Taste Experience in Oberon, NSW Australia: $146
- Private Blue Mountains Rainforest and Waterfalls SUV Tour: $165
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySuzhou $6.40Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Suzhou and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Suzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Suzhou is in Asia and Katoomba 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 Suzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Suzhou 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Suzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Suzhou Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Katoomba?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou and Katoomba, 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 Suzhou or Katoomba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Suzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Suzhou or Katoomba in the Summer?
Both Katoomba and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Suzhou is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Katoomba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during summer. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. It's quite rainy in Suzhou. In July, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySuzhou 28°C (83°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Katoomba in the Autumn?
Both Katoomba and Suzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Suzhou is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Suzhou in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.
In the autumn, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Katoombain April. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.
Suzhou usually gets less rain in October than Katoombain April. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSuzhou 19°C (65°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Katoomba in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Katoomba. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Suzhou is generally much colder than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 4°C (39°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySuzhou 4°C (39°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Katoomba in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Katoomba. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Suzhou is cooler than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the spring, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.
Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Suzhou usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSuzhou 15°C (58°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Suzhou
| Suzhou | Katoomba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.