Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Katoomba?
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 Katoomba. 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 Katoomba?
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.
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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesKatoomba Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Katoomba $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $148. 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 Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Katoomba $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie 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.Zhangjiajie $15Katoomba $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhangjiajie $36Katoomba $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Katoomba $54
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
- Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
- Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
- One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
- Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69
Tours and Activities in Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Beauty of the Blue Mountains Private Tour: $853
- Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $251
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $99
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Blue Mountains Day Tour With Bushwalks, Waterfalls & Featherdale: $126
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
- Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $221
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 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 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 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 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 Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Katoomba?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Katoomba in the Summer?
Both Katoomba and Zhangjiajie during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.
In July, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 29°C (85°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 Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 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 JanuaryZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Katoomba in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Katoomba. Furthermore, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.
In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 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 AprilZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Katoomba in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Katoomba. Additionally, many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Zhangjiajie is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhangjiajie in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.
Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in January than Katoombain July. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 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 JulyZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Katoomba in the Spring?
Both Katoomba and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 17°C (63°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 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 OctoberZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Katoomba | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.