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

Should you visit Dalian or Nagasaki?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Nagasaki? 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 Nagasaki?

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.

Nagasaki

Set in a natural harbor on the northwest coast of Japan, Nagasaki is a Japanese city synonymous with a key moment during WWII after suffering an Allied nuclear attack in 1945. While the event is memorialized at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, the city in no way is defined by the event. Today it exists as a culturally and religiously diverse port town with a certain charm amongst the terraces of surrounding hills.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $56
    Nagasaki $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $112
    Nagasaki $102
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Nagasaki

Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Nagasaki? 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 Nagasaki


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: Nagasaki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dalian $42
    Nagasaki $19

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: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

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

  • Nagasaki Airport to/from Sasebo City Private Transfer: $209
  • Nagasaki Airport to/from Nagasaki City Private Transfer: $209
  • Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $196
  • Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $196
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $162
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $162
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $146
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka City Hotels: $146
  • Nagasaki Airport(NGS) to Nagasaki city - Arrival Private Transfer: $98
  • Nagasaki to Nagasaki Airport (NGS) - Departure Private Transfer: $98
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Arrival Private Transfer: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Nagasaki?

Prices for flights to both Nagasaki 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
    Nagasaki $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Beach Dinner: $53
  • Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $169

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.91
    Nagasaki $24

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 Nagasaki

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

  • Experience Hasami Ware with professionals ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $127
  • 4 Hour Private Cherry Blossom "Sakura" Experience in Nagasaki: $228
  • Discover Stunning Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $13
  • Hasami Ware 2-Day Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $190
  • Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $99
  • Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $66
  • Japan Huis Ten Bosch Ticket: $63
  • Must-See Nagasaki With A Local: Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $249
  • Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $117
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with 1-day Tram Ticket: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.48
    Nagasaki $11


When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dalian or Nagasaki?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Nagasaki. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

Dalian is cooler than Nagasaki in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dalian usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Nagasaki 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Nagasaki. Also, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Nagasaki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Nagasaki. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dalian 15°C (58°F) 
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Nagasaki in the Winter?

Both Nagasaki and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nagasaki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Nagasaki in the Spring?

Both Nagasaki and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city during these months.

Dalian is cooler than Nagasaki in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Nagasaki. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Dalian

Dalian Nagasaki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)