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

Should you visit Dalian or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Nagano? 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Dalian?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $97. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $56
    Nagano $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $112
    Nagano $130
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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: Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dalian $42
    Nagano $11

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 Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $690

Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $28
    Nagano $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.91
    Nagano $8.79

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 Nagano

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

  • 1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen: $172
  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $781
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $93
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $188
  • Half Day Private Tour! From Nagano to [Zenkoji Temple]: $120
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $111
  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $59
  • Nagano's Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour: $1,562
  • 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring: $141
  • Matsushiro Samurai Town Walking Tour: $117
  • Tateyama-Kurobe Guided Walking Tour: $241
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,416

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.48
    Nagano -


When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Nagano, we can see that Dalian 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 Nagano Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dalian or Nagano?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives less rain than Nagano. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dalian is around the same temperature as Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dalian 15°C (58°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Nagano. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Nagano. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Nagano. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Dalian

Dalian Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)