Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $103Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $103, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $54Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $108Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Tokyo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Tokyo $17
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 Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Tokyo and Hakuba or Nozawa: $1,137
- Private Transfers between Tokyo and Snow Monkey Park: $821
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $815
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $707
- Haneda airport to/from Naeba city Private Transfer: $650
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Haneda airport to/from Karuizawa Town Private Transfer: $568
- 10-hour Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $555
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nikko: $518
- Narita Airport: Private one way transfer by Luxury car/Van: $480
- Haneda Airport to/from Kamakura City Private Transfer: $480
- Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $455
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $27Tokyo $37
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.78Tokyo $68
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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $97
- Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
- “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $133
- "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $134
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $88
- 1 Day Tokyo Charter Private Tour with English & Hindi Driver: $347
- 1 Day Tokyo Private Charter Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $484
- 1 Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Private Wagon: $474
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa Traditional Tokyo and Nature: $143
- 1 Day private Tour in Hakone with Hakone Freepass & Train Ticket: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.31Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Dalian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dalian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dalian 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Dalian.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in the Summer?
Both Tokyo and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
Dalian is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Dalian. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo and Dalian during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Dalian is cooler than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Tokyo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Tokyo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Tokyo. Additionally, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Dalian is cooler than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Dalian usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Dalian
| Dalian | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.