A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Suzhou vs. Brisbane for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Suzhou or Brisbane?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Suzhou and Brisbane 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: Suzhou or Brisbane?

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Suzhou?

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 Suzhou is $127, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $154. 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 Suzhou and Brisbane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $39
    Brisbane $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $78
    Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Brisbane

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou or Brisbane? 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 Suzhou


Hotels in Brisbane


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Suzhou $58
    Brisbane $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.81
  • Go Card
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Brisbane: $22
  • BNE Airport to City | Gold Coast Private Transfer: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $54
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $56
  • Secrets St Lucia Airport Transfer: $58
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Sunshine Coast: $59
  • Luxury Airport Transfer Gold Coast-Brisbane / Brisbane-Gold Coast: $60
  • Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
  • NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): $96
  • UVF Luxury Transfer To Secrets St. Lucia Roundtrip: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Brisbane?

Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Suzhou 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
    Suzhou $57
    Brisbane $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
  • Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

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


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.23
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.96
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.18
  • Ice cream
    $3.60
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.25
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.52
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.58
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.29
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.16
  • Bread
    $1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gold Coast: Glow Worms, Sunset & Stargazing with BBQ dinner: $118
  • Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $165
  • Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane: $168
  • Local Icons Food Tour: $354

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Suzhou $9.47
    Brisbane $24

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
  • Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
  • Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
  • Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
  • Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
  • Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298

Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

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

  • Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Tour, Taste & Camel Encounter: $17
  • Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $22
  • True Crime Tour: $22
  • Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
  • True Crime Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted CBD Ghost Tour: $25
  • Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $26
  • Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $26
  • Adventure Theme Scavenger Hunt Experience in Brisbane: $27
  • Solve a Detective Case in a themed adventure: $31
  • Alice In Puzzleland an Escape Hunt Brisbane Experience: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Suzhou $6.50
    Brisbane $50

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.81
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.16
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.56
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
  • Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure : $66
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $101
  • Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $107
  • Hop on Hop off Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $110
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $116
  • Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour : $134
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $140
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $140
  • Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $148
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $165
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $168


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

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


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Brisbane?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou and Brisbane, 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 Suzhou or Brisbane?

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

Should I visit Suzhou or Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Brisbane. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Suzhou is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein January. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein January. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Suzhou usually gets less rain in July than Brisbanein January. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Suzhou is cooler than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during autumn. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In October, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Brisbanein April. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F) 
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Suzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

The weather in Suzhou can be very cold. In the winter, Suzhou is much colder than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Suzhou in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein July. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun.

Suzhou usually gets less rain in January than Brisbanein July. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F) 
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Brisbane. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Suzhou is generally cooler than Brisbanein October. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 15°C (58°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during spring. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F) 
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Suzhou

Suzhou Brisbane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in)