A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Haifa vs. Nikko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Haifa or Nikko?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Haifa and Nikko. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Haifa or Nikko?

Haifa

Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Haifa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $123, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Haifa and Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Haifa $74
    Nikko $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Haifa $148
    Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Haifa and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Haifa 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.

Hotels in Haifa


Hotels in Nikko


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: Haifa Hotel Prices and Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Haifa $4.93
    Nikko -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

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

  • Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $173
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $173

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko

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

  • Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
  • Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613

Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko and Haifa 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
    Haifa $44
    Nikko $31
Typical Food Prices in Haifa

For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Haifa $5.68
    Nikko $21

Tours and Activities in Haifa

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

  • Romantic Walking Tour In Haifa for Couples: $290
  • Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $700
  • Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
  • From Tel Aviv: Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Guided Tour: $1,300
  • From Tel Aviv: Northern Israel Coast Private Tour: $999
  • Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
  • Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
  • Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $388
  • Haifa Private Tour: $160
  • Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
  • Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $405
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255

Tours and Activities in Nikko

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

  • Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
  • Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
  • Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
  • Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
  • Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Haifa $13
    Nikko $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Haifa and Nikko, we can see that Haifa is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Haifa is in Middle East and Nikko is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Haifa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Haifa than you might in Nikko.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Haifa Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Haifa or Nikko?

Haifa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Haifa 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 Haifa or Nikko?

Nikko has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Haifa experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Haifa or Nikko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Haifa is around the same temperature as Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Haifa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Haifa usually receives less rain than Nikko. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Haifa 27°C (81°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Nikko. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In the autumn, Haifa is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Haifa in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Haifa this time of the year. In the autumn, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Haifa gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Haifa usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Haifa 24°C (75°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In January, Haifa is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 14°C (57°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Nikko. Haifa usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during winter. Haifa gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Haifa. In January, Haifa usually receives more rain than Nikko. Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Haifa 14°C (57°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko and Haifa during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Haifa is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Haifa. In the spring, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Haifa gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Haifa usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Haifa 19°C (66°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Haifa

Haifa Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)