A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dalian vs. Atami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dalian or Atami?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Atami? 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: Dalian or Atami?

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

Atami

Sharing a home with the famous Mount Fuji inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Atami is a Japanese city set on the seaside of the Izu Peninsula. With volcanic hills and natural hot springs, visitors are very much drawn to the unique landscape of the place. There are many hot springs resorts that take advantage of the area's natural features, which have been attracting visitors since the 8th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Dalian?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $103, while the average daily cost in Atami is $86. 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 Dalian and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $54
    Atami $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $108
    Atami $86
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Atami? 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 Dalian


Hotels in Atami


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: Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dalian $41
    Atami $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

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

  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
  • Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
  • Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atami

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

  • Narita Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $650
  • Haneda Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $557

Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Dalian 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
    Dalian $27
    Atami $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.78
    Atami $7.68

Tours and Activities in Dalian

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159

Tours and Activities in Atami

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

  • ACAO BEACH: Tent Sauna experience at private resort: $114
  • "Explore Atami's Culinary Culture" Walking Tour: $44
  • Exclusive Geisha Experience: $114
  • Hakone one day tour: $157
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $131
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.31
    Atami $5.45


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dalian or Atami?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Atami, 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 Dalian or Atami?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dalian or Atami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Atami. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dalian usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Atami. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Atami because of the shopping scene.

Dalian is cooler than Atami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Atami. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dalian 15°C (58°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Atami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Atami averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Atami. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atami for the beaches.

In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Atami. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Dalian

Dalian Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)