Which place is cheaper, Nara or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guilin or Nara?
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 Nara can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $67Nara $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Nara is $85. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $34Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $68Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Nara? 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: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $5.76Nara $5.83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
- Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
- Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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
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Food Meals for one dayGuilin $22Nara $28
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Nara $7.81
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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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:
- Guilin Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terrace 4 days tour: $21
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $59
- Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $72
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $72
- Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch: $73
- Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Private Tour: $77
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.72Nara $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Nara?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Nara, 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 Nara?
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 Guilin or Nara in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Nara. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).
Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives more rain than Nara. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Nara. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In October, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Nara. Guilin usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. Guilin is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In January, Guilin usually receives more rain than Nara. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Guilin is a little warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Nara 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 April than Nara. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Guilin
| Guilin | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.