Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Yangshuo or Katoomba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Katoomba can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Katoomba?
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
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 Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Katoomba $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, 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 Yangshuo and Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Katoomba $77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $42Katoomba $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba and Yangshuo 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 dayYangshuo $19Katoomba $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Yangshuo Cooking Class with Yangshuo Town Shopping: $138
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Katoomba $53
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Tour to learn Chinese cuisine in Yangshuo group: $37
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $47
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Gullin: Li River Cruise with Pickup and Yangshuo: $65
- Private Half-Day Bike and Bamboo Raft Tour in Yangshuo: $80
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- Xingping Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
- Yangshuo Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
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: $99
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $249
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $108
- 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: $249
- Blue Mountains: Private Scenic Tour with Optional Stops: $245
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Katoomba?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Yangshuo or Katoomba in the Summer?
Both Katoomba and Yangshuo during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 30°C (86°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
Katoomba gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Katoomba in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Katoomba. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.
In October, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Katoomba in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Katoomba. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.
In the winter, Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yangshuo in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Katoomba in the Spring?
Both Katoomba and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 20°C (68°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Katoomba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.