Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Kanazawa?
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 Hangzhou and Kanazawa. 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: Hangzhou or Kanazawa?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Kanazawa $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $103. 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 Hangzhou and Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Kanazawa $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Kanazawa? 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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Kanazawa $9.32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa
Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247
- Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $18Kanazawa $32
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
- Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
- Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Kanazawa $9.74
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Tours and Activities in Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Monochrome Plan: $13
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Moon Plan: $13
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Color Plan: $19
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $25
- Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience: $30
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $56
- [Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour: $66
- [One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - Two World Heritage Villages Enjoyable Bus Tour: $76
- “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $78
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Kanazawa $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa than you might in Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Kanazawa?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Kanazawa, 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 Hangzhou or Kanazawa?
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 Hangzhou or Kanazawa in the Summer?
Both Kanazawa and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Kanazawa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kanazawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Kanazawa. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kanazawa can be very cold. Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hangzhou is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 3°C (38°F).
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kanazawa in the Spring?
Both Kanazawa and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 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.