A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taiyuan vs. Sydney for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Taiyuan or Sydney?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Taiyuan and Sydney. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Taiyuan or Sydney?

Taiyuan

With sleek architectural designs and blossoming businesses, this metropolis is simply brimming with invigorating excitement and once-in-a-lifetime entertainment. Despite its glimmering skyscrapers and gorgeous fountains, Taiyuan, China has an extensive history of nearly 2,500 years. During ancient China, Taiyuan, or the "Dragon City," was a major military town. Presently, this city is now one of China's most important industrial cities, producing more than half of the national coal mining output. Taiyuan is both the capital and largest city of the Shanxi province of North China. It is bounded by mountains on three of its sides, allowing this great city to be surrounded by fantastic views of its landscape. Besides its economic significance, Taiyuan also achieves tourist significance due to its plethora of landmarks and sights. Some of these attractions include Jinci Temple, Forest Park, Mengshan Giant Buddha, and Shanxi Museum. Taiyuan is also celebrated internationally for holding their annual Shanxi Taiyuan International Folk Arts Festival, a celebration held in September that hosts exhibition of fine arts, painting, paper-cutting, sculpture, drama, acrobatic and the culture of costume. With such a great deal to do in such a limited window of time, it is best to make the most Taiyuan while you visit!

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Sydney or Taiyuan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taiyuan is $90, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $273. 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 Taiyuan and Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taiyuan $42
    Sydney $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taiyuan $84
    Sydney $204
Compare Hotels in Taiyuan and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Taiyuan or Sydney? 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 Taiyuan


Hotels in Sydney


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: Sydney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taiyuan $47
    Sydney $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Limoroo, Luxe Private Transfers to The Blue Mountains Australia: $297
  • Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $295
  • Private Transfer from Sydney Hotels to Airport: $255
  • Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
  • Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people: $238
  • Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-13 people: $215
  • Sydney Airport (SYD): Private Transfer to Sydney hotels: $205
  • Airport transfers and shuttle bus - home/hotels: $196
  • From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $195
  • Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $165
  • Sydney Airport Departure Transfer (Sydney Central Business District to Airport): $164
  • Sydney Airport Private Car Departure Transfer: $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Taiyuan or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney and Taiyuan 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
    Taiyuan $20
    Sydney $44

Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.60
  • Lunch Special
    $9.73
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.73
  • Meat Pies
    $3.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

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

  • Vivid Lights Festival Pizza Cruise Tour in Vivid Sydney: $16
  • VIVID Dinner Cruise with Complimentary Drink on Arrival: $36
  • Vivid Sydney Harbor Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $46
  • Admission to Vivid Dinner Cruise in Sydney : $46
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $50
  • Sydney Street Art & Food Tour: $53
  • Christmas in July Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $56
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $58
  • Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Vivid Dinner Cruise: $58
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Small Group Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet at Bohemian Cafe: $63
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taiyuan $15
    Sydney $31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $124
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.76

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Bus Tour: $228
  • 2 Hours Sydney Harbour's True Crime Cruise Tour: $36
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Sydney Harbour National Park : $36
  • 3 Hours Abba Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $65
  • 3 Hr Whale Watching Discovery Cruise in Sydney: $72
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour with a Local Sydney Guide: $227
  • 3.5 Hours Explore Bondi Beach and Sydney Sightseeing Tour: $195
  • 4-Hour Freediving Taster Experience at Shelly Beach, Manly: $182
  • Allianz Stadium Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Art Gallery of NSW: State of the Art Gallery Tour: $29
  • Australia: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $11
  • Australian National Maritime Museum: All-Inclusive Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taiyuan $6.31
    Sydney $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

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

  • Haunted Pub Tour with Local Guide: $20
  • Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting: $56
  • Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $56
  • Beach and Brew - Hike and Brewery (Men and Women): $73
  • Balmain Pub Walking Tour: $76
  • Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $83
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $102
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $111
  • Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting: $121
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $143
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $147


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

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


Which is Bigger, Taiyuan or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Taiyuan. When comparing the sizes of Taiyuan and Sydney, 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.