Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xiamen or Katoomba?
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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba?
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.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $64Katoomba $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $134. 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 Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $30Katoomba $77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $60Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Katoomba? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $5.98Katoomba $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Railway Station to Xiamen City: $10
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
- Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer From Xiamen City to Quanzhou City: $79
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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 $26Katoomba $17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Katoomba $53
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Private Xiamen Sea Food Market & Zhongshan Road Shopping and Eating Experience: $107
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
Tours and Activities in Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- 4Hrs at Wolgan Valley Birdwatching Experience: $129
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $98
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $248
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $107
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $97
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
- Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $192
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
- Blue Mountains Private Tour From Sydney, & Featherdale Aussie Animal Park Option: $248
- Blue Mountains: Private Scenic Tour with Optional Stops: $245
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Katoomba?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Katoomba. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Xiamen is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Xiamen in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryXiamen 30°C (86°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Katoomba in the Autumn?
Both Katoomba and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 25°C (77°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Katoombain April. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilXiamen 25°C (77°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Katoomba in the Winter?
Both Katoomba and Xiamen during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Xiamen is a little warmer than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.
Xiamen usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyXiamen 14°C (58°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Katoomba in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Katoomba. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Xiamen is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Xiamen in April average around 20°C (69°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.
Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberXiamen 20°C (69°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Katoomba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.