Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Kobe? 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $106Kobe $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $111. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Kobe $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Kobe $130
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Kobe? 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: Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $42Kobe $14
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tokyo: Private Luxury Car Transfer To/From Kobe. (one way): $633
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $242
- Osaka to Arima Hotel Transfer Service: $232
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $184
- Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $183
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $169
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $169
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $162
- Private Departure Transfer Kobe City to Kobe International Airport: $161
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $137
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $120
- Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $101
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $28Kobe $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $99
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $222
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $303
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $331
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.91Kobe $25
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
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- (T4)Private Car and Bullet Train; Kyoto Tour from Kobe Port: $352
- (T7)Kyoto Private Tour from Osaka port with Japanese Guide: $352
- 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $186
- 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $149
- 4 hours Kobe City Tour : $79
- 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $185
- A Tour to Learn all about the international port city, Kobe!: $166
- Cruise Shore Excursion: Kobe Sake Tasting with Local Guide: $113
- Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $157
- Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $165
- Himeji and Full-Day Private Guided Tour: $254
- KOBE : SUSHI making experience and SUSHI lunch after lesson: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Kobe $9.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $84
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $86
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $91
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $92
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Nigiri: $99
- Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $155
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $193
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Kobe?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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 Kobe in the Summer?
Both Kobe and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Dalian is cooler than Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Kobe. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Kobe. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kobe in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Kobe. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Dalian in the winter. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Kobe. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Kobe. Additionally, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.
Dalian is cooler than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Dalian
| Dalian | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.