Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou or Kobe?
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 Kobe. 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
-
Hangzhou Prices
China PricesKobe Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Kobe $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Kobe $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Kobe? 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: Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.24Kobe $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- 2-Day Private Tour with Lunch and Airport Transfer: $459
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $269
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Car: $161
- Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Van: $178
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $299
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $178
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
- Departure Transfer: Kobe to Kobe Airport UKB by Business Car: $161
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $144
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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
-
Food Meals for one dayHangzhou $31Kobe $54
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.38
-
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
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
- Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
- Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
- Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $224
- Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Kobe $24
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $113
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
- Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
- Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
- Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Entry Ticket: $22
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
- Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
- Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
- Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
- 1-Day Guided Tour - Enjoy Kobe to the fullest: $47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Kobe $8.87
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Kobe?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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 Kobe in the Summer?
Both Kobe and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
In the summer, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).
Kobe 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 Kobe. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kobe in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Kobe. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Kobe. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kobe in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Kobe. Additionally, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kobe in the Spring?
Both Kobe and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kobe. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.