Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Nikko? 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $103Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $103, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $54Nikko $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $108Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Nikko? 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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Nikko -
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
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $27Nikko $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.78Nikko $21
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: $159
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.31Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Nikko, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian than you might in Nikko.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Nikko?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Dalian is around the same temperature as Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dalian in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Nikko. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Nikko. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 15°C (58°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Nikko. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. The weather in Dalian can be very cold. Dalian is much colder than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Nikko. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Nikko. Additionally, many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Dalian is cooler than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dalian in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Dalian
| Dalian | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.