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

Should you visit Xiamen or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

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.

Newcastle

Newcastle is 150 kilometers north of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the second largest city in the state, and serves as a central point to explore the area's beaches, wineries, and beautiful natural landscape. North of the city is Stockton beach, which has many miles of isolated, beautiful beaches, stretching all the way up to Nelson Bay. The wineries are inland to the west and have some of Australia's finest wine which you can taste. If you want to see rainforests, you can head northwest to Barrington Tops National Park, which has great rainforests and freshwater streams. You may even get to see a platypus. The city also has the country's oldest sea port. In the past the city's economy was centered around the steel industry, but today the University of Newcastle is one of the area's most important employers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle 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 Newcastle is $91. 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 Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xiamen $30
    Newcastle $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xiamen $60
    Newcastle $88
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Newcastle? 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 Newcastle


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: Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xiamen $5.98
    Newcastle $8.34

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 Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
  • Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from 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
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
  • 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 Hua’an Earth Building: $89
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle city hotels: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney City Hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle Port: $29
  • Private Transfer - Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney Airport (SYD): $88
  • Tandem Beach Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
  • Bimbadgen Lunch Tour with Helicopter Transfers: $751
  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle 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
    Newcastle $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xiamen $16
    Newcastle $15

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
  • Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
  • Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $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 Newcastle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:

  • 3- Hour Wine and Harvest the Hunter Horse Tour in Pokolbin: $92
  • 3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock: $256
  • Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walking Tour of Newcastle: $33
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $37
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Fromage and Fortified Wine Experience: $50
  • Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience: $150
  • Eat And Drink Newcastle History Walking Tour: $60
  • Family Pass: Fighter World Museum Admission Ticket: $30
  • From Hunter Valley Beer & Wine Group Tour: $163
  • Full Day Tour in Country Towns, Rivers and Aussie Farm: $160
  • Helicopter Tour of Hunter Valley in New South Wales with Lunch: $283
  • Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xiamen $17
    Newcastle $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Broke: $5.32
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting Masterclass: $9.97
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $20
  • 30-Minute Distillery Guided Tour in Carrington : $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $27
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $33
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50
  • Snapshot Half Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $72
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate: $102
  • Half Day Wine Tour with Light Lunch at Hunter Valley: $106


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle 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 Newcastle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Newcastle?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Newcastle. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Newcastle. Also, many visitors come to Newcastle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Xiamen is a little warmer than Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen usually gets more rain in July than Newcastlein January. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F) 
    Newcastle 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle 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 Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Xiamen in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Newcastlein April. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F) 
    Newcastle 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Xiamen during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein July. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 14°C (58°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Xiamen usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F) 
    Newcastle 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Newcastle. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

Xiamen is a little warmer than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 20°C (69°F) in April, and Newcastle fluctuates around 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 Newcastlein October. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F) 
    Newcastle 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Xiamen

Xiamen Newcastle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in) 16°C (61°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in) 21°C (70°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)