Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Harbin?
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 Harbin or Canberra?
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 Harbin and Canberra can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Canberra?
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Harbin Prices
China PricesCanberra Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Canberra $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Harbin and Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Canberra $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Canberra? 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: Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.52Canberra $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
- Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra and Harbin 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 dayHarbin $24Canberra $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Canberra $17
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Canberra Floriade Tour: $127
- Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
- Canberra One Day Tour: $243
- Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $151
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
- City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $125
- Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour: $89
- National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.89
- Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch: $396
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Canberra $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
- Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
- 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
- Canberra Wine Tour: $161
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
- 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Canberra, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Harbin is in Asia and Canberra 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 Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Canberra?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Canberra, 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 Harbin or Canberra?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Harbin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Harbin or Canberra in the Summer?
Both Canberra and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Harbin is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Harbin. In July, Harbin usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Canberra in the Autumn?
Both Canberra and Harbin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
In the autumn, Harbin is much colder than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Harbin in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.
Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Canberrain April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Canberra in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Canberra. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. In January, Harbin is generally much colder than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around -18°C (-0°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Canberra in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Canberra. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the spring for the activities around the city.
Harbin is much colder than Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.
Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Harbin
| Harbin | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.