Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Sendai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Sendai? 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $106Sendai $113
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $113. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Sendai $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Sendai $128
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Sendai? 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: Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $42Sendai $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 Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
- Sendai Airport to/from Sendai city central private transfer: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $28Sendai $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Miyagi, Shiogama Local Food Tour with Premium Tuna and Sushi Town: $140
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.91Sendai $20
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $79
- Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $280
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $125
- Zao Fox village 1Day Bus Tour with Strawberry picking: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Sendai $12
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Sendai?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Sendai. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Sendai. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Sendai. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sendai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Sendai. Additionally, most visitors come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Dalian is around the same temperature as Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sendai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Sendai can be very cold. Dalian can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Sendai. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Sendai in the Spring?
Both Sendai and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
In April, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Sendai. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Dalian
| Dalian | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.