Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Guangzhou Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $104Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $58Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $116Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Nikko? 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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
- Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $194
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $176
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer in English-speaking: Airport to Hotel: $99
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $34Nikko $55
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 $18Nikko $22
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 Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $65
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $72
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $89
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $96
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $103
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Nikko $15
When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Nikko?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Guangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Guangzhou is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Guangzhou. In the summer, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.
Nikko 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 July than Nikko. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Nikko. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Guangzhou is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guangzhou in October average around 25°C (76°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Nikko. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Nikko. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Nikko can be very cold. In January, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 14°C (58°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In the winter, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
Guangzhou is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during spring. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Nikko. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.