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

Should you visit Suzhou or Wellington?

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 Wellington 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 Wellington?

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.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Wellington or Suzhou?

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 Suzhou is $127, while the average daily cost in Wellington is $124. 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 Wellington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $39
    Wellington $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $78
    Wellington $120
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Wellington

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou or Wellington? 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 Wellington


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: Wellington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Suzhou $58
    Wellington $12

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
  • Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • 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 to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

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

  • Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
  • Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $58
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
  • Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Wellington?

Prices for flights to both Wellington 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 $57
    Wellington $51

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: $55
  • Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $8.87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

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

  • 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $126

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Suzhou $9.47
    Wellington $16

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

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

  • 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
  • 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 : $128
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
  • Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
  • Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
  • Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
  • Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
  • Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298

Tours and Activities in Wellington

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

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $7.03
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Māori Highlights Tour: $12
  • Wellington Zoo General Entry Tickets: $15
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Atlantis: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Entry Ticket: $28
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket: $32
  • Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington: $33
  • Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
  • Wētā Workshop Creative Classes Experience Ticket: $33
  • Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Suzhou $6.50
    Wellington $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $100
  • From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $170
  • Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $395


When comparing the travel costs between Suzhou and Wellington, we can see that Suzhou 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 Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Wellington?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

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

Both Wellington and Suzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Suzhou is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Suzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Suzhou. In the summer, Suzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wellingtonin January. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Wellington 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Wellington. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Suzhou is generally a little warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 19°C (65°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Suzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wellington during autumn. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin April. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F) 
    Wellington 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Wellington. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Suzhou can be very cold during winter. Suzhou is much colder than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Suzhou often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Suzhou usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F) 
    Wellington 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In the spring, Suzhou is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Suzhou in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during spring. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. In April, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin October. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F) 
    Wellington 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Wellington and Suzhou

Suzhou Wellington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)