Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zhangjiajie and Darwin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Darwin?
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $63Darwin $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $63, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $111. 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 Zhangjiajie and Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Darwin $62
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Darwin? 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: Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $14Darwin $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Aizhai bridge area: $187
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
-
Shuttle to Train Station$9.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $92
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $59
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin and Zhangjiajie 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 dayZhangjiajie $20Darwin $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $71
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $85
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $90
- Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $96
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $112
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Darwin $15
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge Ticket: $57
- Tianmen Mountain day tour: $96
- Full-Day Private Tour of Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) National Forest Park: $115
- Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain With the Skywalk: $121
- Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain: $122
- 1-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Tour: $132
- 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
- 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
- Private Day Tour of Baofeng Lake and Yellow Dragon Cave: $140
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake Private Day Tour: $147
- Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain Glass Bridge day tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $139
- 1 Hour Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $26
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $30
- 4 Hour Self Guided Gourmet Lunch and Aboriginal Art Tours: $138
- 4-Hour Outback Gourmet Food & Aboriginal Art Tour: $164
- 4x4 Litchfield Park Adventures : $238
- Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $89
- Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $98
- Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise: $50
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Darwin City Explorer Tour: $102
- Darwin City Sightseeing Tour: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
-
Evening at a Bar$16
-
Glass of Wine$4.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Darwin, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zhangjiajie is in Asia and Darwin 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 Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin than you might in Zhangjiajie.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Darwin?
Darwin has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Darwin, 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 Zhangjiajie or Darwin?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zhangjiajie has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin and Zhangjiajie during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Darwin in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in January.
Darwin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in July than Darwinin January. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Darwin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Darwin. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Darwin because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Zhangjiajie is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.
In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives around the same amount of rain as Darwinin April. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Darwin. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In January, Zhangjiajie is generally much colder than Darwinin July. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Darwin in the Spring?
Both Darwin and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the beaches.
Zhangjiajie is much colder than Darwin in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Darwinin October. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.