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

Should you visit Guilin or Osaka?

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

Where Should I go: Guilin or Osaka?

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.

Osaka

The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Guilin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $68, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $94. 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 Osaka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Osaka $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Osaka $98
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Osaka

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Osaka? 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 Osaka


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: Osaka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.87
    Osaka $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

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


  • Taxi
    $2.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $389
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhangjiajie: $389
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Xingping hotel: $64
  • Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Yangshuo: $49

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:


  • Subway
    $8.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka

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

  • Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $76
  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Osaka to Osaka International Airport (ITM): $150
  • Airport Transfer!Hotel in center of Osaka to Kansai Airport (KIX): $192
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City by Minivan: $75
  • Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $245
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $200
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $215
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Osaka: $87
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer ⇋ Osaka: $178
  • Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $199
  • Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $234
  • Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Osaka?

Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $23
    Osaka $27
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

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


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.41

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka

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

  • Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $25
  • 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $29
  • Osaka : Real Japanese food tour: $36
  • 1 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $37
  • Osaka" Hidden" Private Local Street Food Tour: $40
  • Daytime food Tour - Osaka Station, Umeda 3 hours: $48
  • [Same Day OK] Local food tour: $50
  • Food Tour in Shinsekai, 3 Hours: $54
  • Home Cooking Class: $55
  • Dotonbori/Namba Food Tour in 3 Hours: $63
  • Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $69
  • Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Osaka $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
  • Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
  • 1 Day Guilin to Yangshuo with top scenery & culture private tour : $120
  • 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 Relaxing Li River Cruise Private Tour with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room: $251
  • 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 Li River cruise & Yangshuo countryside private day tour : $108
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
  • 1-DAy Private Guilin -Li River Cruise-Yangshuo Highlights tour: $70

Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Osaka Aquarium (for 2)
    $32

Tours and Activities in Osaka

For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Osaka Imaginary Experience: $3.32
  • Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.97
  • Tsutenkaku Tower Entry Ticket: $7.10
  • Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Tickets at Osaka, Japan: $7.42
  • Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.69
  • What to See in Osaka a Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $8.15
  • Osaka Castle Museum E - Ticket: $8.80
  • Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $9.91
  • Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Kids Plaza Osaka Admission Ticket: $11
  • Osaka Bay: Santa Maria Cruise Boarding Pass: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.83
    Osaka $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka

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

  • Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $34
  • Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $40
  • 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $57


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


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Osaka, 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 Osaka?

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 Osaka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guilin is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Osaka. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Osaka 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Osaka in the Autumn?

Both Osaka and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Guilin is a little warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Osaka. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Osaka 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Osaka in the Winter?

Both Osaka and Guilin during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Guilin is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Osaka. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Osaka 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Osaka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Osaka. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city.

In April, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Osaka. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Osaka 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Osaka and Guilin

Guilin Osaka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)