Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou or Matsue?
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 Matsue can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Guangzhou Prices
China PricesMatsue Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $104Matsue $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $58Matsue $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $116Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Matsue? 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: Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Matsue $20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
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Food Meals for one dayGuangzhou $34Matsue $49
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Matsue $9.13
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
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
- Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
- Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Matsue $7.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Matsue, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou than you might in Matsue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Matsue?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Matsue, 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 Guangzhou or Matsue?
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 Matsue in the Summer?
Both Matsue and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Matsue. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Matsue. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Matsue in the Autumn?
Both Matsue and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Matsue in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Matsue. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Matsue because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Matsue can be very cold. Guangzhou is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Matsue. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Matsue in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Matsue. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Matsue. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Matsue. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.