Which place is cheaper, Nara or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guangzhou or Nara?
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 Nara can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $89Nara $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Nara is $85. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $57Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $114Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Nara? 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: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Nara $5.83
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
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $34
- Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport(CAN): $35
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to City Center : $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $19Nara $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $100
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $110
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Nara $7.81
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $95
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Nara $11
When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Nara, 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Nara?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Nara, 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 Nara?
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 Nara in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Nara. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Nara. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Nara. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Nara. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nara. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. Guangzhou is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nara during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Nara. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Nara. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Nara. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.