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

Should you visit Suzhou or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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 Queenstown?

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.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.

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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Queenstown 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 Queenstown is $130. 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 Queenstown in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $39
    Queenstown $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $78
    Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Queenstown

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown


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: Queenstown Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Suzhou $58
    Queenstown $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • 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 Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:

  • ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27
  • QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
  • Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $69
  • Queenstown private transfer: $87
  • Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $90
  • Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $101
  • Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
  • From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
  • Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $177
  • Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
  • Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Queenstown?

Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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
    Queenstown $62

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown

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

  • Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
  • Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
  • Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $135
  • Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Suzhou $9.47
    Queenstown $21

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

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

  • Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
  • Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
  • Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
  • Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
  • Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
  • Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
  • Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91

Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:


  • Skyline Gondola (for 2)
    $30

Tours and Activities in Queenstown

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

  • Underwater Theatre Experience Entry Ticket: $12
  • Augmented Reality Escape Adventure: $20
  • Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
  • Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $26
  • Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $29
  • Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $32
  • Kiwi Park Admission Ticket: $35
  • Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $40
  • Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes): $41
  • Scenic Queenstown Lake Cruise : $41
  • Glenorchy Kiwi Special Tour : $53
  • Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Wineries Bike Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Suzhou $6.50
    Queenstown $8.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:

  • Ice Bar Crawl: $23
  • Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $53
  • Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $69
  • Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
  • Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
  • Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
  • Classic Wine Tour: $127
  • Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $131
  • Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
  • Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries: $137
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $144
  • Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $149


When comparing the travel costs between Suzhou and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Suzhou is in Asia and Queenstown is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Queenstown?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou and Queenstown, 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.