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

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise?

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.

Surfers Paradise

A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.

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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Zhengzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Zhengzhou Prices
    China Prices
    Surfers Paradise Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhengzhou $65
    Surfers Paradise $124

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $124. 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 Zhengzhou and Surfers Paradise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $21
    Surfers Paradise $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $42
    Surfers Paradise $134
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Surfers Paradise

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise? 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 Zhengzhou


Hotels in Surfers Paradise


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhengzhou $14
    Surfers Paradise $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise?

Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise and Zhengzhou 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
    Zhengzhou $36
    Surfers Paradise $45

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $5.03
    Surfers Paradise $24

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
  • All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
  • Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
  • Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
  • Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287

Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surf Lesson
    $79

Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise

For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Midday River Cruise: $19
  • Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $21
  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing City Lights Cruise: $26
  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing River Cruises: $26
  • HOTA: Gold Coast Home of the Arts Cruise & Dine Experience Pass: $27
  • Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass: $30
  • Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $37
  • Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise: $37
  • Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $38
  • Gold Coast: 360-Degree High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure: $39
  • Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $45
  • Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $4.04
    Surfers Paradise $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zhengzhou is in Asia and Surfers Paradise 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 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Surfers Paradise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Surfers Paradise, 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 Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise?

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

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Surfers Paradise. Additionally, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zhengzhou is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Zhengzhou is cooler than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during autumn. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In October, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise and Zhengzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much colder than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Surfers Paradise. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches.

In April, Zhengzhou is generally cooler than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Surfers Paradise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)