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

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Katoomba?

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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Katoomba 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 Katoomba is $134. 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 Katoomba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $36
    Katoomba $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $72
    Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Katoomba

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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.

Hotels in Zhengzhou


Hotels in Katoomba


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhengzhou $63
    Katoomba $50

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Katoomba?

Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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
    Katoomba $17

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.18
    Katoomba $53

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 Katoomba

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

  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
  • Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
  • Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
  • Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
  • Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $83
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $97
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $98
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $107
  • Small-Group Blue Mountains Tour with Bush Walks and Featherdale Wildlife Park: $116
  • 4Hrs at Wolgan Valley Birdwatching Experience: $129
  • Truffle Hunt and Taste Experience in Oberon, NSW Australia: $146
  • Private Blue Mountains Rainforest and Waterfalls SUV Tour: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.31
    Katoomba -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 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 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 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 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 Katoomba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Katoomba?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Katoomba. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Katoomba receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Katoomba in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Zhengzhou is cooler than Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhengzhou in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

In the autumn, Zhengzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain April. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Katoombain April. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Katoomba in the Winter?

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

The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. In January, Zhengzhou is generally much colder than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 1°C (34°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Katoombain July. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Katoomba 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Zhengzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Zhengzhou is cooler than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the spring, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Katoombain October. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Katoomba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)