A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guilin vs. Kobe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guilin or Kobe?

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 Guilin and Kobe can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Kobe?

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Guilin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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 Guilin and Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Kobe $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Kobe? 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 Guilin


Hotels in Kobe


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: Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.85
    Kobe $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
  • Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
  • Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
  • Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Car: $161
  • Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Van: $178
  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
  • Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $299
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $178
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
  • Departure Transfer: Kobe to Kobe Airport UKB by Business Car: $161
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $144
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe and Guilin 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
    Guilin $39
    Kobe $54
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

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

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

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

  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
  • Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
  • Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
  • Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
  • Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
  • Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Kobe $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

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

  • 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
  • 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
  • 1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages: $169
  • 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $72
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
  • 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
  • 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
  • 1 Day Relaxing Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Tour: $205

Tours and Activities in Kobe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.

  • ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
  • Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
  • ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
  • Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
  • Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
  • Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
  • Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
  • Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
  • Kobe City Highlights Guided Tour - Shrine, Port, Tower: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.81
    Kobe $8.87

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

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

  • Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
  • KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186


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

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


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Kobe, 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 Guilin or Kobe?

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 Guilin or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Kobe. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Guilin is a little warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Kobe. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Kobe. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the winter, Guilin is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the activities around the city.

In April, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Kobe. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Guilin

Guilin Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)