A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tanah Rata vs. Zhengzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou? 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: Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou?

Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Tanah Rata?

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 Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $65. 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 Tanah Rata and Zhengzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $76
    Zhengzhou $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $152
    Zhengzhou $42
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Zhengzhou

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou? 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 Tanah Rata


Hotels in Zhengzhou


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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tanah Rata $33
    Zhengzhou $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
  • Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
  • Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
  • Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou?

Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou and Tanah Rata 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
    Tanah Rata $87
    Zhengzhou $36
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:


  • Dinner for Two
    $6.42
  • Dessert
    $0.71
  • Lunch
    $4.52
  • Afternoon tea
    $4.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

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

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $39
    Zhengzhou $5.03
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata

Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tea Factory Visit
    $6.42
  • Tour of Orang Asli Village
    $24

Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata

Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
  • Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
  • Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
  • Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
  • Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
  • Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
  • Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
  • Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
  • Zhengzhou private day tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu show: $180
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
  • Zhengzhou:Kaifeng Private Day Tour Featuring MUST-SEE Attractions: $209

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $21
    Zhengzhou $4.04


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Zhengzhou, 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 Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou?

Zhengzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou in the Summer?

Both Zhengzhou and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.

In the summer, Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tanah Rata in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Zhengzhou. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?

Both Zhengzhou and Tanah Rata during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Zhengzhou. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.

Zhengzhou can be very cold during winter. Tanah Rata is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Zhengzhou in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Zhengzhou. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tanah Rata in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Zhengzhou. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Zhengzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)