Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Shenyang?
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 Shenyang or Melbourne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Shenyang or Melbourne? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Shenyang or Melbourne?
Shenyang
Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!
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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.
-
Shenyang Prices
China PricesMelbourne Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenyang $85Melbourne $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenyang is $85, 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 Shenyang and Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenyang $41Melbourne $119
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenyang $82Melbourne $238
Compare Hotels in Shenyang and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Shenyang 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.Shenyang $20Melbourne $20
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:
- Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $377
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne HTL-APT (MEL): $69
- Transfer Melbourne Airport MEL to City Centre/St Kilda/Hawthorne: $45
- Sydney Airport Transfer to Sydney CBD/ Other Suburbs: $96
- Starways Chauffeur - Airport Transfer & Chauffeurs in Melbourne: $91
- Private Transfer from Melbourne Port to Melbourne Airport (MEL): $82
- Private Transfer from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Port: $82
- Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $80
- Private Arrival Transfer: Melbourne Airports to Hotel: $87
- Private Airport Transfer from Melbourne Airport to City Center: $129
- Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $201
- Nighttime Private City Tour with Transfer & Stops: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenyang or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne and Shenyang 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 dayShenyang $32Melbourne $53
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.Shenyang $7.81Melbourne $27
Tours and Activities in Shenyang
For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- English Melbourne Walking Tour: $17
- Experience Yarra Valley: A Tailored private Wine Journey: $269
- Melbourne Laneways and Galleries Impressionist Art Walking Tour: $84
- Wilsons Promontory Hiking Day Tour - 8 Person Max Small Group : $147
- 1 day Lake mountain snow tour : $73
- 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $147
- 1.5Hr Yarra River Crown Flames and City Lights Cruise: $317
- 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Private Smal Group Tour FREE entries: $83
- 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - 8 person max: $147
- 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $843
- 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $60
- 4D3N Best Bits Victoria Sightseeing Tour: $992
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenyang $5.91Melbourne $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 Shenyang and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenyang 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 Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Shenyang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenyang Expensive? and Is Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenyang or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Shenyang. When comparing the sizes of Shenyang 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 Shenyang 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 Shenyang has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Shenyang or Melbourne in the Summer?
Both Melbourne and Shenyang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
Shenyang is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. Shenyang usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Shenyang gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Shenyang. In July, Shenyang usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Shenyang gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryShenyang 25°C (77°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Melbourne in the Autumn?
Both Melbourne and Shenyang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Shenyang is cooler than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenyang in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Shenyang. In the autumn, Shenyang often gets more sunshine than Melbournein April. Shenyang gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.
Shenyang usually gets less rain in October than Melbournein April. Shenyang gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilShenyang 10°C (51°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Melbourne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenyang and Melbourne. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenyang. In January, Shenyang is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Shenyang average around -11°C (13°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Shenyang usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Shenyang gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenyang usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Shenyang gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyShenyang -11°C (13°F)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Melbourne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shenyang as well as Melbourne. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Shenyang is cooler than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. In the spring, Shenyang often gets more sunshine than Melbournein October. Shenyang gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.
Shenyang usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Shenyang gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberShenyang 10°C (50°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Shenyang
| Shenyang | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (19°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.