A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guangzhou vs. Nagoya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guangzhou or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!

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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagoya or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Guangzhou Prices
    China Prices
    Nagoya Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guangzhou $104
    Nagoya $113

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Nagoya 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 Guangzhou and Nagoya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $58
    Nagoya $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $116
    Nagoya $96
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Nagoya

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Nagoya? 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.

Hotels in Guangzhou


Hotels in Nagoya


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: Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Nagoya $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou HTL-APT (CAN): $62
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62
  • Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $33
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
  • Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $176
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $194
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya

Also for Nagoya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Nagoya City to Nagoya Station: $71
  • Nagoya Private Transfer To or From Suzuka Service: $292
  • Nagoya to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) - Departure Private Transfer: $151
  • Nagoya to Nagoya Int Airport NGO, Departure Private Transfer: $91
  • Private Departure Transfer Nagoya City to Chubu Centrair International Airport: $208
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $285
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Cruise Port: $201
  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $296
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (NGO) to Toyama Port: $235
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Airport (NGO): $201
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya City Hotels: $126
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Nagoya?

Prices for flights to both Nagoya 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 day
    Guangzhou $34
    Nagoya $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour with Locals 【Private Tour】: $59
  • Osu Kannon Temple & Street Food Tour in Nagoya's Osu District: $83
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $159
  • Traditional Ukai Watching Private Tour from Nagoya With Dinner: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Nagoya $13

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
  • 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
  • 1-Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private City Tour: $185
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
  • 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
  • 4-Hour Flexible Private Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Options: $153
  • 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
  • 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
  • 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience : $118
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598

Tours and Activities in Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Ramen Making Experience: $38
  • Experience Being a Shinto Priest or Shrine Maiden at NAGOYA: $45
  • English-Guided Jogging Tour of the City (2 hours): $50
  • Shirakawago and Takayama Bus Tour from Nagoya: $58
  • Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go Bus Tour w/Optional Lunch: $59
  • Shiragawa-go, Hida Takayama UNESCO Full-Day Tour from Nagoya: $61
  • Nagoya Castle Private Guided Tour: $64
  • Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour from Nagoya: $65
  • Shirakawa-go + Hida Takayama Day Tour from Nagoya Station: $66
  • Nagoya Tour in Inuyama Castle, Ena George, Magome and Tsumagojuku: $68
  • Private Japanese Martial Arts and Samurai Experience in Gifu: $68
  • Legoland Resort ticket in Japan : $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Nagoya $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:

  • The Nagoya Restaurant and Bar Crawl: $40


When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Nagoya, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Nagoya?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Guangzhou or Nagoya in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Nagoya. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Guangzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nagoya. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Nagoya in the Autumn?

Both Nagoya and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.

Guangzhou is a little warmer than Nagoya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during autumn. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. In October, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Nagoya 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Nagoya in the Winter?

Both Nagoya and Guangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Nagoya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagoya. In the winter, Guangzhou is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Nagoya averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Nagoya. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun.

Guangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nagoya. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Nagoya 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Nagoya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Nagoya. Also, many visitors come to Nagoya in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Nagoya during spring. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Nagoya. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Nagoya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)