Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tianjin or Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $76Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $34Hangzhou $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $68Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Hangzhou? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $37Hangzhou $8.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beijing: Private Roundtrip Transfer to Great Wall of China: $66
- Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
- Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $106
- Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
- Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
- Private Departure Transfer: Bejing City Hotel to Airport: $32
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Tianjin Railway Station: $28
- Private PEK Airport Departure Transfer from Tianjin with Bullet Train Experience: $168
- Private Tianjin Airport Arrival Transfer to Beijing Hotels: $98
- Private Tianjin Port Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $178
- Private Tianjin Transfer to Xingang International Cruise Port from City Hotels: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou City Center and Qiandao Lake : $121
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Hengdian World Studios from Hangzhou: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
-
Food Meals for one dayTianjin $20Hangzhou $18
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.35
-
Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Hangzhou $20
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $120
- Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $151
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $156
- 4-Hour Private Tianjin Walking Tour with Dim Sum: $168
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Hangzhou $10
When comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Hangzhou, we can see that Tianjin 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Hangzhou?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Tianjin or Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Hangzhou.
In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. It's quite cold in Tianjin in the winter. Tianjin is much colder than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Hangzhou.
In the spring, Tianjin is cooler than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.