A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Suzhou vs. Surfers Paradise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Suzhou or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

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.

Surfers Paradise

A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.

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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Suzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $101, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $104. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $38
    Surfers Paradise $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $76
    Surfers Paradise $132
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Surfers Paradise

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou or Surfers Paradise? 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 Suzhou


Hotels in Surfers Paradise


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.
    Suzhou $57
    Surfers Paradise $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
  • 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 Pudong Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $280
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
  • Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
  • Luxury Private Transfer between Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast city (1-7pax) : $89
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Airports to Surfers Paradise: $106
  • Gold Coast Airport Transfers Corporate Chauffeurs Gold Coast: $119
  • All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $149
  • Private Transfer to Brisbane/BNE Airport from Gold Coast/OOL Airport( 1-7 pax): $229
  • Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Surfers Paradise?

Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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 day
    Suzhou $32
    Surfers Paradise $26

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Suzhou $9.32
    Surfers Paradise $23

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

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

  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
  • All Inclusive Suzhou Highlight Tour with Boat Ride and Lunch: $179
  • Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $248
  • Flexible Shanghai Private Day Tour from Suzhou by Bullet Train: $208
  • Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
  • Full- Day Private Suzhou Tour Guide Service: $150
  • Full-day Private Tour of Top Suzhou Gardens: $211

Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surf Lesson
    $78

Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Skip the Line:Wax Museum Ticket-World in Wax & Guided Tour of Chamber of Horrors: $22
  • Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise Day Pass: $30
  • Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $30
  • Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $32
  • Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $33
  • Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $33
  • Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $37
  • Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $37
  • Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $46
  • Paradise SUP Tour: $47
  • Half-Day Whale Watching and Canal Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $52
  • Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Suzhou $6.40
    Surfers Paradise $11


When comparing the travel costs between Suzhou and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Suzhou is in Asia and Surfers Paradise 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 Suzhou Expensive? and Is Surfers Paradise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Surfers Paradise?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

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

Both Surfers Paradise and Suzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Suzhou is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Suzhou. In the summer, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually gets less rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Surfers Paradise. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

Suzhou is cooler than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during autumn. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Surfers Paradise. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. In the winter, Suzhou is much colder than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Suzhou in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the winter, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Suzhou usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

Both Surfers Paradise and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Suzhou is generally cooler than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 15°C (58°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Suzhou. In April, Suzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein October. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Suzhou

Suzhou Surfers Paradise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)