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

Should you visit Dalian or Nagoya?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Nagoya? 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 Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Nagoya 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 Nagoya is $96. 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 Nagoya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $56
    Nagoya $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $112
    Nagoya $100
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Nagoya

Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Nagoya? 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 Nagoya


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: Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dalian $42
    Nagoya $12

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 Nagoya

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

  • Chubu Airport (NGO): Private Transfer to/from Naign Shrine: $774
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $470
  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $298
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $278
  • Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $208
  • Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $199
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Int Airport (ITM) to Shimizu Port: $168
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Nagoya Private Transfer: $167
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $148
  • LEGOLAND Japan Resort Ticket with Private Transfer: $123
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $96
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Nagoya?

Prices for flights to both Nagoya 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
    Nagoya $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

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

  • Grandma's Traditional Japanese Cooking Class: $69
  • Grandma’s Traditional Cooking Class: $82
  • Grandma’s Home Cooking Cute Bento Workshop: $82
  • Grandma’s Nagoya Specialties Cooking Class: $82
  • gided japanese food tour in okazaki(aichi): $88
  • Market Tour and Nagoya Cooking Class With a Local in her Home: $92
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $145
  • Full Day Food Tour in Nagoya: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.91
    Nagoya $14

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 Nagoya

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

  • 1 Day Guided Tour Korankei Autumn Leaves from Nagoya: $132
  • 1 Day Private Tour in Nagoya Hotspots Using Local Bus: $221
  • 1 Day Tour from Nagoya Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail: $221
  • 1-Day Tour from Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail: $197
  • 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya: $141
  • 1-Day Tour: Garden Walk, Nagoya Castle, Gardens & Historic Estate: $158
  • 1-Day Tour: Nagoya Castle, Gardens & Historic Estate: $141
  • 1-Day Tour: Nagoya’s Industrial Legacy and Toyota's Innovation: $158
  • A Fun Car Tour to Inuyama Castle and a Phallus: $160
  • Autumn Leaves Private Tour in Nagoya: $172
  • Day Tour: Nagoya’s Industrial Legacy and Toyota's Innovation: $141
  • Discover Japan tour: $176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.48
    Nagoya $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:

  • Pub Crawl in Nagoya: $69


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


Which is Bigger, Dalian or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya in the Summer?

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

Dalian is cooler than Nagoya in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Nagoya in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Nagoya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Nagoya averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Nagoya. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Dalian or Nagoya in the Winter?

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

Nagoya can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Nagoya 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Dalian or Nagoya in the Spring?

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

Dalian is cooler than Nagoya in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Nagoya. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Dalian

Dalian Nagoya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)