Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tianjin or Dalian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Dalian? 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: Tianjin or Dalian?
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $75Dalian $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $75, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $102. 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 Tianjin and Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $34Dalian $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $68Dalian $108
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Dalian? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $36Dalian $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
- One Way Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing with Guide: $216
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Tianjin Hotels to Mutianyu Great Wall: $212
- Private Transfer from Tianjin International Airport to Beijing Downtown: $208
- Private One Way Tianjin Port Transfer to Beijing including Great Wall Sightseeing: $198
- Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
- Private Tianjin Port Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $178
- Private Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall from Tianjin City: $178
- Private PEK Airport Departure Transfer from Tianjin with Bullet Train Experience: $168
- Private Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Great Wall of China with Beijing Drop-Off: $168
- Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
- Tianjin Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Pass and Eastern Qing Tombs: $132
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian and Tianjin 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
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Food Meals for one dayTianjin $20Dalian $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Dalian $4.76
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- 4-Hour Private Tianjin Walking Tour with Dim Sum: $168
- 4-Hour Shore Excursion: Tianjin City Highlights and Binhai Bullet Train Experience: $259
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Porcelain House with Bullet Train Experience: $240
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
- From Tianjin Xingang Port: Private 2-Day Beijing Tour: $550
- Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
- One Day Huangyaguan Great Wall And Qing Tomb Tour Of Beijing: $260
- Private Great Wall Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $248
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Dalian $6.29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Tianjin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tianjin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tianjin 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian than you might in Tianjin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Dalian?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Dalian, 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 Tianjin or Dalian?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Tianjin or Dalian in the Summer?
Both Dalian and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Tianjin is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 27°C (80°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. It's quite rainy in Tianjin. In July, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Dalian. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Dalian in the Autumn?
Both Dalian and Tianjin during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Tianjin is around the same temperature as Dalian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Dalian. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Dalian in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Dalian.
Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. In the winter, Tianjin is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tianjin in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Dalian averages at about -4°C (25°F).
In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Dalian. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Dalian in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Dalian.
In April, Tianjin is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 14°C (58°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Dalian. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.