Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yangshuo or Surfers Paradise?
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 Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Surfers Paradise?
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.
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Surfers Paradise $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $104. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Surfers Paradise $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Surfers Paradise $132
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Surfers Paradise
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Surfers Paradise? 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.Yangshuo $42Surfers Paradise $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers: $291
- Private Transfer to Brisbane/BNE Airport from Gold Coast/OOL Airport( 1-7 pax): $229
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $149
- Gold Coast Airport Transfers Corporate Chauffeurs Gold Coast: $119
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airports to Surfers Paradise: $106
- Luxury Private Transfer between Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast city (1-7pax) : $89
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Surfers Paradise?
Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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
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Food Meals for one dayYangshuo $19Surfers Paradise $26
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Surfers Paradise $23
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $149
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- 1-Day Longji Rice Terraces hiking tour from Guilin/Yangshuo hotel: $188
- 1-Day Tour: Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat and Ruyi Peak Cable Car: $149
- 2 Day - Longji Rice Terraces - Sunrise Hiking Tour: $280
- Full-Day Li-River Tour from Yangshuo to Yangdi With the English Speaking Driver: $159
- Full-day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages: $146
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Private Tour: $136
- Guilin Highlight Sightseeing Private Day City Tour: $139
- Guilin Tea plantation and Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Guilin Yangshuo Day tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Bullet Train: $212
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$78
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience - Small Group Tour: $79
- 1.5hr Jetski Tour with island stopover - SELF DRIVE - NO LICENCE NEEDED: $185
- 2.5hrs Jetski Tour with island stopover / Self Drive / Surfers Paradise: $259
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $151
- Body Massage Experience in Gold Coast : $98
- Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise: $59
- Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $53
- Glow Worms - Nocturnal Rainforest/Waterfall Adventure: $72
- Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $30
- Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $37
- Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise Day Pass: $30
- Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Surfers Paradise $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Surfers Paradise?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Surfers Paradise. Furthermore, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yangshuo in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Surfers Paradise. Additionally, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Yangshuo is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 23°C (73°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?
Both Surfers Paradise and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Yangshuo is much colder than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
In January, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?
Both Surfers Paradise and Yangshuo during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches.
In the spring, Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yangshuo in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
Surfers Paradise 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 April than Surfers Paradisein October. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Surfers Paradise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.