Which place is cheaper, Sydney or Dalian?
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 Dalian or Sydney?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Sydney? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Dalian or Sydney?
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Dalian Prices
China PricesSydney Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $124Sydney $207
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $124, 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 Dalian and Sydney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $55Sydney $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $110Sydney $206
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Dalian 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Sydney $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$13
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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: $661
- Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon Flight with Transfer: $363
- 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: $251
- 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 Dalian or Sydney?
Prices for flights to both Sydney and Dalian 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 dayDalian $48Sydney $77
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.62
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Lunch Special$9.81
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.81
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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.
- Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
- City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
- Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
- 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
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
- Taste of Sydney Fish Market Food Tour: $64
- Kids Cooking Classes: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.86Sydney $31
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$29
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$30
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$125
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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: $5,614
- 2 Hours Running Tour in Sydney: $99
- 3 Hours Elvis Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $53
- 30 Minute Shared Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Tour: $238
- 30-minute Private Sydney Harbour Helicopter Tour for 2: $331
- 45-Minute Sydney Harbour Adventure Jet Boat Ride: $66
- 45-Minute Vivid Sydney Scenic Jet Boat Cruise Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.41Sydney $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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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
- From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $103
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
- From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
- From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
- Small Group Hunter Valley Wine Tour + Lunch, Gin & Choc ex Sydney: $151
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Dalian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dalian 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 Dalian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dalian 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 Dalian.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Sydney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Sydney?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Dalian 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 Dalian 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 Dalian has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Dalian or Sydney in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Sydney. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Dalian is around the same temperature as Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Sydney. Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian usually gets more rain in July than Sydneyin January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Sydney 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sydney in the Autumn?
Both Sydney and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Sydneyin April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Sydney 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sydney in the Winter?
Both Sydney and Dalian during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dalian can be very cold during winter. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Sydney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sydney in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Sydney. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.
Dalian is much colder than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Sydneyin October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Sydney 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Sydney and Dalian
| Dalian | Sydney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.