Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zhangjiajie and Noosa Heads. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads?
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
Noosa Heads
A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesNoosa Heads Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Noosa Heads $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $135. 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 Zhangjiajie and Noosa Heads in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Noosa Heads $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Noosa Heads
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads? 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: Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Noosa Heads $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $322
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads
Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $262
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $238
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $97
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast: $91
- Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $91
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast & Noosa : $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads?
Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads and Zhangjiajie 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhangjiajie $36Noosa Heads $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Noosa Heads $40
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
- 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
- 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $239
- 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
- 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195
Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Surf Lesson$43
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Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)$85
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Sunset Cruise (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.
- AAA NOOSA Whale watching experience in Noosa Whalesongsnoosa: $64
- Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise River: $22
- 1 Hour Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
- AAA Noosa National Park tour and Dolphin Safari Whalesongsnoosa: $60
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
- Booloumba Falls & Booloumba Creek Adventure, Conondale Nat. Park: $235
- Buderim Forest Flight Owl Encounter and Tour: $77
- Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $108
- Eumundi Markets and Noosa Everglades Tour with Eco Safari: $214
- Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $111
- Fliteboard eFoil Group Experience in Noosa: $151
- From Noosa: Stand Up Paddle Wildlife & Beach 4X4 Adventure: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Noosa Heads $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads
Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl Sippin on Sunshine: $15
- Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $164
- Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $188
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zhangjiajie is in Asia and Noosa Heads 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 Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads than you might in Zhangjiajie.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Noosa Heads Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Noosa Heads, 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 Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Noosa Heads is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zhangjiajie has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads in the Summer?
Both Noosa Heads and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Noosa Heads. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin January. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?
Both Noosa Heads and Zhangjiajie during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.
In the autumn, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.
Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Noosa Heads. Furthermore, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Zhangjiajie is generally cooler than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin July. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Noosa Heads in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Noosa Heads. Additionally, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.
Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Noosa Heads | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 117 mm (4.6 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.