Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Harbin?
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 Harbin or Noosa Heads?
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 Noosa Heads can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Noosa Heads?
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.
Noosa Heads
A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.
-
Harbin Prices
China PricesNoosa Heads Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Noosa Heads $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $135. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Noosa Heads $58
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Noosa Heads
Looking for a hotel in Harbin or Noosa Heads? 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: Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Harbin $1.52Noosa Heads $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads
Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $97
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $262
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $238
- Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $91
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast & Noosa : $32
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Noosa Heads?
Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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
-
Food Meals for one dayHarbin $24Noosa Heads $58
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Noosa Heads $40
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Surf Lesson$43
-
Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)$85
-
Sunset Cruise (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.
- AAA NOOSA Whale watching experience in Noosa Whalesongsnoosa: $64
- Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise River: $22
- 1 Hour Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
- AAA Noosa National Park tour and Dolphin Safari Whalesongsnoosa: $60
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
- Booloumba Falls & Booloumba Creek Adventure, Conondale Nat. Park: $235
- Buderim Forest Flight Owl Encounter and Tour: $77
- Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $108
- Eumundi Markets and Noosa Everglades Tour with Eco Safari: $214
- Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $111
- Fliteboard eFoil Group Experience in Noosa: $151
- From Noosa: Stand Up Paddle Wildlife & Beach 4X4 Adventure: $108
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Noosa Heads $10
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads
Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl Sippin on Sunshine: $15
- Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $164
- Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $188
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Noosa Heads?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Harbin and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Noosa Heads. Also, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Harbin is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.
Noosa Heads receives a lot of rain in the summer. Harbin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Harbin usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Noosa Heads. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Harbin is much colder than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Harbin in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.
Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Noosa Heads in the Winter?
Both Noosa Heads and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Harbin can be very cold during winter. In January, Harbin is generally much colder than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around -18°C (-0°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In January, Harbin usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Noosa Heads in the Spring?
Both Noosa Heads and Harbin during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.
Harbin is much colder than Noosa Heads in the spring. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.
Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Harbin
| Harbin | Noosa Heads | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 117 mm (4.6 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.