Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Dalian?
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 Dalian or Kanazawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa?
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.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.
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Dalian Prices
China PricesKanazawa Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $124Kanazawa $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $124, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $131. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $55Kanazawa $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $110Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Kanazawa? 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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Kanazawa $9.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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
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Food Meals for one dayDalian $48Kanazawa $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
- traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
- Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
- Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.86Kanazawa $10
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: $250
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
Tours and Activities in Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go: $212
- 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $219
- Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa: $211
- Colors of City Tour with Kenrokuen and Kaga Yuzen: $68
- Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley: $265
- Discover Kanazawa with a Local: Private & Custom Tour: $90
- Exclusive Kannon in Temple Tour in Kanazawa: $138
- Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide : $103
- Explore Kanazawa with Sushi Making Experience: $207
- From Kanazawa/Toyama: Snow Wall & Mysterious Valley Day Tour: $243
- From Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Full-Day Tour: $239
- From Tateyama Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Hike: $270
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.41Kanazawa $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:
- Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Dalian Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Kanazawa?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
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 Kanazawa in the Summer?
Both Kanazawa and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dalian is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dalian in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
Both Kanazawa and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Dalian is generally cooler than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 15°C (58°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kanazawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Kanazawa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. Dalian is much colder than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kanazawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Kanazawa.
In the spring, Dalian is cooler than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dalian in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Dalian
| Dalian | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 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.