Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hangzhou or Melbourne?
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 Hangzhou and Melbourne. 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: Hangzhou or Melbourne?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.
-
Hangzhou Prices
China PricesMelbourne Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Melbourne $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $195. 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 Hangzhou and Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Melbourne $119
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Melbourne $238
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Melbourne? 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: Melbourne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.24Melbourne $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $75
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $72
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Mogan Mountian from Hangzhou: $85
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
-
Airport Bus$10
-
Tram Ride$2.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers & Day Tours in a Chauffeur-Driven Luxury Van: $128
- Airport Transfers - Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne: $101
- Airport to City Private Transfers : $128
- Avalon Airport Transfers: $168
- Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $178
- CBD to Melbourne Airport Private Transfer - 11 traveler's: $129
- Express Bus Transfer to or from Melbourne City Center: $19
- Luxury Airport Transfer to Melbourne CBD : $85
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer Melbourne: $104
- MEL Airport Transfer to Melbourne CBD Private Van Hire: $201
- MEL Airport to CBD Private transfers 4 or more: $33
- Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport: Shared Transfer to Melbourne: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $31Melbourne $53
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.38
-
Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Coffee$2.62
-
Pizza$4.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $40
- Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes: $51
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour: $53
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $54
- Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $81
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
- Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
- Carlton a Little Italy Dinner Tour: $93
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Melbourne $27
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $113
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Melbourne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.81
- Melbourne (St Kilda) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.41
- Melbourne City Centre Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
- Melbourne Vampire Quest: Self-Guided Gothic Adventure: $7.20
- Melbourne Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.92
- Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.92
- Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.92
- Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11
- Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $12
- Upside Down House Photo Experience in Australia: $13
- Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $13
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Melbourne $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
-
Bottle of Wine$5.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Melbourne Christmas Bar Crawl: $15
- Melbourne Pub Crawl (Batmania Tours): $19
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
- Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $24
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
- MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour: $26
- Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
- Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc: $87
- New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
- Cruise Ship Friendly Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Port Pickup: $114
- Yarra Valley: Bus Wine Tour with Lunch and a Glass of Wine: $116
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch & Gin/Beer Option: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hangzhou is in Asia and Melbourne 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 Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Melbourne, 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 Hangzhou or Melbourne?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hangzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Hangzhou or Melbourne in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Melbourne. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Melbourne in the Autumn?
Both Melbourne and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.
In October, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Melbourne in the Winter?
Both Melbourne and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Melbourne in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Melbourne. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.