Which place is cheaper, Sendai 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
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 from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
-
Guilin Prices
China PricesSendai Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $84Sendai $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $133. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $35Sendai $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $70Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Sendai? 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: Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $5.85Sendai $18
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:
- [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
- Transfer from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Guilin City Center: $41
- Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
- Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
- Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
- Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
- Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Longsheng hotel: $80
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Longsheng Hotel from Guilin City or Airport: $78
- Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
- Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $39Sendai $58
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
- Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Sendai $19
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:
- Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
- Full-Day Yangshuo Sunrise and Li-River cruise with the 4 Star Boat Private Tour: $272
- 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
- 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
- 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 Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
- 1 Day Relaxing Li River Cruise With The 4 Star Luxury Boat lower Deck Seating: $225
- 1 Day Yangshuo Adventure Balloon Helicopter and Cave Experience: $208
- 1 Day Yangshuo Nature Explore Bamboo Rafting and Cave Adventure: $265
- 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204
Tours and Activities in Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
- Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
- Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.81Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Sendai?
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Sendai. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Sendai in the Autumn?
Both Sendai and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Guilin is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Sendai. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai and Guilin during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sendai can be very cold during winter. Guilin is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Sendai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Sendai. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Guilin is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).
Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Sendai. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Guilin
| Guilin | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.