A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hangzhou vs. Wollongong for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hangzhou or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong. 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 Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Wollongong or Hangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $144. 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 Wollongong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $24
    Wollongong $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $48
    Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Wollongong

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Wollongong? 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 Hangzhou


Hotels in Wollongong


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: Wollongong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.24
    Wollongong $39
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:

  • 2-Day Private Tour with Lunch and Airport Transfer: $459
  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $269
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Wollongong?

Prices for flights to both Wollongong 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 day
    Hangzhou $31
    Wollongong $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 Wollongong

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:


  • Lunch
    $7.85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Wollongong $22

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 Wollongong

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wollongong.

  • From Sydney: Jervis Bay Tour with Beach, Koalas & Kangaroos: $145
  • Sydney: Kiama Costal Private Day Tour with Local Experiences: $562
  • Sydney: Private South Coast, Highlands and Kiama Tour: $906

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Wollongong $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Wollongong?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Wollongong 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Wollongong. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In October, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Wollongong 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Wollongong. Additionally, most visitors come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Hangzhou is much colder than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Wollongong 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Wollongong 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Wollongong
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)