A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shijiazhuang vs. Katoomba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shijiazhuang or Katoomba?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shijiazhuang and Katoomba can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Shijiazhuang or Katoomba?

Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang is the capital city of Hebei Province in China. It is a fairly young city, acting as the regional transport hub and economic center, though there are a few sights worth seeing. The city is also the largest pharmaceutical hub in China, as well as an important center for textile, IT, manufacturing, and chemical industries.

Katoomba

Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.

This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.

The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shijiazhuang and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Shijiazhuang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shijiazhuang is in Asia and Katoomba 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 Shijiazhuang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shijiazhuang 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Shijiazhuang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shijiazhuang Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shijiazhuang or Katoomba?

Shijiazhuang has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Shijiazhuang and Katoomba, 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 Shijiazhuang or Katoomba?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shijiazhuang has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shijiazhuang and Katoomba. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shijiazhuang is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around 27°C (81°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

Katoomba receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shijiazhuang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shijiazhuang usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Shijiazhuang gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shijiazhuang as well as Katoomba. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Shijiazhuang is cooler than Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in October than Katoombain April. Shijiazhuang gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Shijiazhuang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shijiazhuang can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Shijiazhuang is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shijiazhuang in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

In January, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Katoombain July. Shijiazhuang gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Shijiazhuang during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Shijiazhuang is generally cooler than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around 15°C (60°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in April than Katoombain October. Shijiazhuang gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Shijiazhuang