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

Should you visit Chongqing or Nara?

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 Nara. 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 Nara?

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara 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 Nara is $85. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chongqing $49
    Nara $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chongqing $98
    Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Chongqing and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Chongqing or Nara? 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 Nara


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: Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chongqing $19
    Nara $5.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $22
  • [Airport Transfer] Chongqing Airport ⇔ Chongqing City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $23
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chongqing: $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chongqing Railway Station to Hotel: $24
  • Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) to Hotel: $25
  • Private Transfer from Chongqing hotel to Chongqing Train Station : $27
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $39
  • Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $43
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) : $50
  • Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:

  • Kansai Airport (KIX):Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Chongqing or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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
    Nara $28

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

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

  • Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
  • Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chongqing $13
    Nara $7.81

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 Nara

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

  • Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
  • Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
  • A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
  • A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
  • Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
  • Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
  • Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
  • Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
  • Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chongqing $6.90
    Nara $11


When comparing the travel costs between Chongqing and Nara, we can see that Chongqing 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Chongqing or Nara?

Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Chongqing and Nara, 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.