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

Should you visit Guilin or Nagano?

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

Where Should I go: Guilin or Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Guilin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $34
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $68
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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: Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.76
    Nagano $9.79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

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


  • Taxi
    $2.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
  • Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
  • Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $22
    Nagano $22
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

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


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.38

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Nagano $8.16
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
  • 1 Day Guilin to Yangshuo with top scenery & culture private tour : $79
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $219
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $169
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Cycling and Yulong bamboo boat Private Tour: $94
  • 1 Day Yangshuo private Day Tour with the Scooter: $105
  • 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
  • 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show: $89
  • 1-Day Guilin Xing'an Ling Canal Private Tour: $183
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Pingan village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79

Tours and Activities in Nagano

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

  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
  • Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.72
    Nagano -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Nagano?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nagano in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Nagano. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Nagano. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Nagano. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Nagano because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagano can be very cold. Guilin is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Guilin usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In the spring, Guilin is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Nagano. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Guilin

Guilin Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)