A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Xiamen vs. Canberra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xiamen or Canberra?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xiamen and Canberra 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: Xiamen or Canberra?

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Xiamen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $133. 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 Xiamen and Canberra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xiamen $30
    Canberra $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xiamen $60
    Canberra $164
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Canberra

Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Canberra? 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 Xiamen


Hotels in Canberra


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: Canberra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xiamen $5.98
    Canberra $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

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

  • Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
  • Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
  • Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

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

  • Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
  • Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $117
  • Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Canberra?

Prices for flights to both Canberra and Xiamen 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
    Xiamen $26
    Canberra $34

Typical Food Prices in Canberra

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


  • Lunch
    $16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xiamen $16
    Canberra $17

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

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

  • Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
  • Xiamen Private One Day Tailor Made Tour with Gulangyu and City Highlights : $176
  • 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
  • Dongshan Island Highlights Full-Day Private Tour: $232
  • Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
  • Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109

Tours and Activities in Canberra

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

  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $99
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • Canberra Floriade Tour: $118
  • Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $149
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $111
  • Best of Wildlife Tour: $88
  • City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $117
  • Capital Christmas: Private Festive Tour in Canberra: $642
  • Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour: $864
  • Discover Pearls of Canberra - Private Walking Tour: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xiamen $17
    Canberra $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.08

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

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

  • Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $98
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
  • Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $121
  • CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $147
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $158
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162


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

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


Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Canberra?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Canberra, 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 Xiamen or Canberra?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Xiamen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Xiamen or Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In July, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F) 
    Canberra 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra and Xiamen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Xiamen is a little warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Canberrain April. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F) 
    Canberra 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Canberra. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Canberra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Xiamen is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F) 
    Canberra 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Canberra. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In April, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Xiamen usually gets more rain in April than Canberrain October. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F) 
    Canberra 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Canberra and Xiamen

Xiamen Canberra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in) 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)