Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou or Queenstown?
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 Guangzhou and Queenstown can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Queenstown?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Guangzhou Prices
China PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $104Queenstown $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $130. 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 Guangzhou and Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $58Queenstown $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $116Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Queenstown? 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: Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Queenstown $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
- Guangzhou private airport transfer: $27
- [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
- Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
- Guangzhou Airport & Train Station Private Transfer English Driver: $32
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $33
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
- Guangzhou Private Intercity Transfer Shenzhen, Dongguan and More: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
- Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $69
- Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $177
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
- Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $101
- Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $90
- Queenstown private transfer: $87
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
- ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown and Guangzhou 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 dayGuangzhou $34Queenstown $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
- Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $135
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Queenstown $21
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou：New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
- 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.18
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.72
- Discover Private Tour of Culture, Food & Pearl River: $6.99
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Private Guangzhou Tour with Comfortable Transportation: $16
- Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
- Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
- Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
- Chen Clan Academy In-Depth 2-Hour Guided Tour: $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Underwater Theatre Experience Entry Ticket: $12
- Augmented Reality Escape Adventure: $20
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $26
- Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $29
- Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $32
- Kiwi Park Admission Ticket: $35
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $40
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes): $41
- Scenic Queenstown Lake Cruise : $41
- Glenorchy Kiwi Special Tour : $53
- Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Wineries Bike Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Queenstown $8.86
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $53
- Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $69
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
- Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
- Classic Wine Tour: $127
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $131
- Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
- Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries: $137
- Wine Tasting Tour: $144
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guangzhou is in Asia and Queenstown 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 Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Queenstown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Queenstown than you might in Guangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Queenstown?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Queenstown, 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.
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.