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

Should you visit Guangzhou or Sado?

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

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Sado?

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.

Sado

Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.

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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sado or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Sado is $62. 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 Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $57
    Sado $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $114
    Sado $60
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Sado? 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 Sado


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: Sado Hotel Prices.

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

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 Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
  • Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $68
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado 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 $19
    Sado $23

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
  • 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
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Sado $8.43

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
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • 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
  • Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
  • Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Sado $66


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Sado, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Sado.

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



When is the best time to visit Guangzhou or Sado?

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 Sado in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Sado. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Guangzhou is a little warmer than Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Sado during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sado 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 Sado. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Sado 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Sado in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Sado. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

In the autumn, Guangzhou is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guangzhou in October average around 25°C (76°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Sado. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Sado 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sado. In January, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 14°C (58°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Sado. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Sado 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit.

Guangzhou is much warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Sado. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.

Sado 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 Sado. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Sado 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sado and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Sado
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 23°C (74°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 25°C (78°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)