A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhengzhou vs. Airlie Beach for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach?

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 Zhengzhou and Airlie Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach?

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach, in Queensland, offers the closest port to the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It's a small town of only 25,000 and has grown out of the area's popularity as a tourist destination. It's main industry remains tourism and, as such, there are many venues set up to accommodate travelers hoping to make trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The town has the feel of a vacation destination. While in the past Airlie Beach appealed specifically to the backpacker crowd, it's popularity has spread and now there are facilities catering to all travel types. The area has become more commercialized and there are plenty of large resorts to choose from. Even so, you'll still find no shortage of affordable accommodation around town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Zhengzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $141. 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 Zhengzhou and Airlie Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $36
    Airlie Beach $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $72
    Airlie Beach $116
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Airlie Beach

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach? 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 Zhengzhou


Hotels in Airlie Beach


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: Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhengzhou $63
    Airlie Beach $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
  • Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:

  • Private Transfer to Whitsunday Coast Airport: $314
  • Airport Transfers - Return (round fare) share shuttle service: $28
  • Crayfish Beach Hook Island Camping Transfer: $139
  • One Way Only - Airport Transfer share shuttle service: $17
  • Return Transfer PPP Airport Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $32
  • South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $59
  • South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $47
  • Whitehaven Beach Club Transfers from Airlie Beach: $92
  • Whitsunday: Prosperpine Airport to Airlie Beach Transfer: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach?

Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Zhengzhou 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
    Zhengzhou $28
    Airlie Beach $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

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

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach

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

  • 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $72
  • Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.18
    Airlie Beach $160

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

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

  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
  • Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
  • Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots Private Tour : $209
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Zhengzhou Private Half-Day Tour: Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show: $222
  • Private Tour to Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Full-Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Mt.Song from Zhengzhou: $238

Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:

  • Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours: $20
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $45
  • Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $46
  • Whisper Cruises - One-Hour Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise: $46
  • Sundowner Sunset Cruise Airlie Beach: $46
  • Airlie Beach sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Airlie Beach Trike Tours: $50
  • Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise: $53
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $58
  • 2 Hour Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise: $59
  • Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • 1 hour Mimosa Morning Turtle Spotting Cruise: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.31
    Airlie Beach $8.99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zhengzhou is in Asia and Airlie Beach 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 Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach than you might in Zhengzhou.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Airlie Beach is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zhengzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Airlie Beach. Furthermore, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during summer. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

Airlie Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin January. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Airlie Beach 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Airlie Beach. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zhengzhou is cooler than Airlie Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhengzhou in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the autumn, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin April. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Airlie Beachin April. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

Both Airlie Beach and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. In January, Zhengzhou is generally much colder than Airlie Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 1°C (34°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during winter. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin July. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Airlie Beach 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

Both Airlie Beach and Zhengzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Zhengzhou is cooler than Airlie Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the spring, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin October. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun.

Zhengzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Airlie Beachin October. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Airlie Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 377 mm (14.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 25°C (77°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)