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

Should you visit Guangzhou or Okinawa?

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

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa 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
    Okinawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guangzhou $104
    Okinawa $125

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $58
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $116
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Okinawa? 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 Okinawa


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Okinawa $9.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
  • Guangzhou private airport transfer: $27
  • [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
  • Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
  • Guangzhou Airport & Train Station Private Transfer English Driver: $32
  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $33
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
  • Guangzhou Private Intercity Transfer Shenzhen, Dongguan and More: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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
    Okinawa $41

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
  • 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
  • Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Okinawa $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: $3.18
  • Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
  • Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.72
  • Discover Private Tour of Culture, Food & Pearl River: $6.99
  • 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
  • Chen Clan Academy In-Depth 2-Hour Guided Tour: $31

Tours and Activities in Okinawa

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:

  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
  • Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
  • Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
  • Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
  • Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
  • Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
  • Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour|Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Okinawa $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa than you might in Guangzhou.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Okinawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Okinawa?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Okinawa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Okinawa this time of the year. In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Okinawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Okinawa. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In the winter, Guangzhou is cooler than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Okinawa in the Spring?

Both Okinawa and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Guangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)