Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guilin or Nikko?
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 Nikko can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
-
Guilin Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $84Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $35Nikko $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $70Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Nikko? 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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $5.85Nikko -
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 dayGuilin $39Nikko $55
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Nikko $22
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 Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $66
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $90
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $97
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.81Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Nikko?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Guilin is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Nikko 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 Nikko. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Nikko. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Guilin is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guilin in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Nikko. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Nikko. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Nikko can be very cold. In January, Guilin is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 10°C (49°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
Guilin is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Nikko. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Guilin
| Guilin | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.