Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guangzhou or Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Koyasan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Koyasan?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
-
Guangzhou Prices
China PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $104Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $95. 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 Guangzhou and Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $58Koyasan $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $116Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Koyasan? 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: Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Koyasan $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Chimelong International Circus Ticket with Transfer: $80
- Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
- Guangzhou Airport & Train Station Private Transfer English Driver: $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Guangzhou 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 dayGuangzhou $34Koyasan $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Shenzhen Cantonese Dim Sum Cooking Class with Lunch: $86
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Koyasan $14
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou：New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
- 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.19
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.74
- Discover Private Tour of Culture, Food & Pearl River: $6.99
- Pearl River 1-hour Night Cruise (Optional Piers): $13
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Private Guangzhou Tour with Comfortable Transportation: $16
- Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
- Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
- Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Koyasan $5.07
When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Koyasan, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Guangzhou or Koyasan?
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 Guangzhou or Koyasan in the Summer?
Both Koyasan and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Koyasan in the Autumn?
Both Koyasan and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.
Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Koyasan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Koyasan. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
Guangzhou is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koyasan. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Koyasan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Koyasan. Additionally, many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Koyasan. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Koyasan. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 35 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.