Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Xiamen or Gold Coast?
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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.
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Xiamen Prices
China PricesGold Coast Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $84Gold Coast $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $84, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $119. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $31Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $62Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Gold Coast? 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.Xiamen $6.08Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer Sydney CBD: $22
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
- Private Transfer Gold Coast Airport OOL to City Centre/Brisbane: $48
- Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $140
- Mt Tamborine Shuttle Service - Gold Coast Return Transfer: $66
- OOL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $42
- Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
- Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
- Gold Coast Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $21
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $139
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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
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Food Meals for one dayXiamen $46Gold Coast $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
- Brisbane/Sunset, Dinner, Stars/Premium Telescope: $79
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
- Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $309
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Gold Coast $19
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
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- 1 Hour Amore Tour: $235
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $201
- 2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $44
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $58
- 2-Day Dreamworld and SkyPoint Admission Ticket: $87
- 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $268
- 30 Minutes Virtual Reality Gaming Experience in Southport: $40
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $39
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $220
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Book Private Tour for Banff-Yoho-Kootenay & Jasper Parks: $682
- Brisbane: Springbrook 7 Waterfalls and Natural Bridge Tour: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Gold Coast $5.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
- Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
- Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
- Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
- Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
- Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
- Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $167
- Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $197
- Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $956
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Gold Coast?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Gold Coast. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Xiamen is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin January. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryXiamen 30°C (86°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Gold Coast. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Xiamen is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Xiamen in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilXiamen 25°C (77°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Gold Coast in the Winter?
Both Gold Coast and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Xiamen is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 14°C (58°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In January, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyXiamen 14°C (58°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Gold Coast in the Spring?
Both Gold Coast and Xiamen during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
Xiamen is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 20°C (69°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets more rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberXiamen 20°C (69°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.