Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dalian or Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo?
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.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
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.
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Dalian Prices
China PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $124Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $124, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $55Sapporo $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $110Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Sapporo? 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: Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Sapporo $16
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 Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 $48Sapporo $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.86Sapporo $17
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
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
- 1 Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $281
- 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $254
- 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $174
- 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
- 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
- 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $286
- Authentic Japanese Home Dining Experience in Sapporo with Noriko: $88
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
- Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $174
- Calligraphy Experience Set 60 minute plan: $69
- Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.41Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Sapporo?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
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 Sapporo in the Summer?
Both Sapporo and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Dalian is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sapporo in the Autumn?
Both Sapporo and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Dalian is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sapporo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Sapporo. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.
It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In January, Dalian is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).
Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sapporo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Sapporo. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.
Dalian is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Dalian
| Dalian | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.