A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chongqing vs. Matsue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chongqing or Matsue?

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 Chongqing and Matsue. 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: Chongqing or Matsue?

Chongqing

Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Chongqing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chongqing is $86, while the average daily cost in Matsue 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 Chongqing and Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chongqing $49
    Matsue $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chongqing $98
    Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Chongqing and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Chongqing or Matsue? 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 Chongqing


Hotels in Matsue


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: Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chongqing $19
    Matsue $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:

  • Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $24
  • Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $50
  • Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
  • Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings: $128
  • Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park: $158
  • Dazu Rock Carvings Private Transfer or Tour: $278
  • Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $22
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) to Hotel: $25
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chongqing Railway Station to Hotel: $24
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chongqing: $24
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Chongqing or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue and Chongqing 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
    Chongqing $24
    Matsue $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing

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

  • Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $115
  • CHONGQING:Strolling through the city(Include dinner): $127
  • Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
  • Private Chongqing night tour with dinner hot pot: $170
  • Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $193
  • From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $197
  • Private Chongqing Night View Tour with Hot Pot or Local Dinner: $199
  • Chongqing Night view private tour with hot-pot dinner: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chongqing $13
    Matsue $8.81

Tours and Activities in Chongqing

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

  • 3-Hour Walking Tour of Chongqing Shancheng (Mountain City) Lane: $65
  • Private Chongqing Day Tour: Panda, E'ling Park, Three Gorges Museum: $99
  • city tour of Chongqing : $130
  • Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum: $135
  • Private Chongqing Illuminated Night Tour : $138
  • Private Amazing Chongqing City Day Tour in Your Way: $139
  • 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
  • From Full-Day Private Tour Dazu Rock Carvings: $144
  • Half Day Afternoon Private Tour: General Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Panda: $156
  • Best of Chongqing One Day Tour: Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Eling Park, Panda: $157
  • Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise and Illuminated Night Tour: $158
  • Chongqing Private Day Tour Of Meet popular Chongqing: $160

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chongqing $6.90
    Matsue $6.85


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

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


Which is Bigger, Chongqing or Matsue?

Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Chongqing and Matsue, 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.

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