A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangjiajie vs. Sydney for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Sydney?

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 Sydney. 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Sydney or Zhangjiajie?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $207. 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 Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Sydney $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Sydney $206
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Sydney? 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 Zhangjiajie


Hotels in Sydney


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: Sydney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Sydney $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
  • 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 from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $322
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
  • Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • From Special Event, Festival or Conference Transfers: $659
  • Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon Flight with Transfer: $362
  • From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $355
  • Airport Transfer from Sydney Airport to Hotels: $295
  • Private City, Harbour, and Bondi Tour with Transfer: $274
  • Private Transfer from Sydney Hotels to Airport: $255
  • Private Transfer from Sydney City Hotels to Newcastle Cruise Port: $252
  • Private Transfer - Sydney Airport (SYD) to Newcastle Cruise Port: $252
  • Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $250
  • Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney CBD/Downtown to Sydney Airport 1-11 people: $242
  • Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people: $242
  • Featherdale Wildlife Park with Exclusive Private Transfers: $234

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney 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 day
    Zhangjiajie $36
    Sydney $77

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

Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.62
  • Lunch Special
    $9.81
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.81
  • Meat Pies
    $3.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.

  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $49
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $49
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $50
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Fish Market Food Tour: $63
  • Taste of Sydney Fish Market Food Tour: $64
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Sydney $31

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
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Private or Shared Day Tour: $50
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
  • Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip 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
  • Mini Group Day Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $69

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $125
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.85

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sunrise Serenity Kayak Tour of Sydney Harbour: $104
  • #1 Blue Mountains Tour Scenic World Waterfalls Wildlife Park: $188
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Adventure: $113
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour From Sydney: $117
  • 1/2 day Sydney Sightseeing and Bondi Beach Tour: $45
  • 14-Day Sydney to Cairns, Fraser, Whitsundays Comfort Tour: $5,597
  • 2 Hours Running Tour in Sydney: $99
  • 3 Hours Elvis Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $53
  • 30 Minute Shared Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Tour: $237
  • 45-Minute Sydney Harbour Adventure Jet Boat Ride: $66
  • 45-Minute Vivid Sydney Scenic Jet Boat Cruise Tour: $40
  • Afternoon Discovery Cruise on Coral Trekker: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Sydney $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

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

  • Wollongong Bar Crawl Go Out with a Gong: $15
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
  • Marrickville Brewery Tour: $78
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $103
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $111
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • Meet the Makers Sydney Native Food & Distillery Tour: $132
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $144
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $148


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


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Sydney. Additionally, most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Sydneyin January. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Sydney 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Sydneyin April. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Sydney 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Zhangjiajie during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Zhangjiajie is much colder than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Sydney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Sydney. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Sydneyin October. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Sydney 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Sydney and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Sydney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)