Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Nagano?
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 Nagano. 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 Nagano?
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.
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Nagano $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Nagano $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Nagano
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Nagano? 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: Nagano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Nagano $9.79
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:
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $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
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano
Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Nagano?
Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $18Nagano $22
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
- 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 Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Nagano $8.16
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
- 2-Day Live-in Temple Buddhist Monk Mediation Experience from Hangzhou: $252
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $216
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $227
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
- Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
- Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
- Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
- Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221
- Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
- 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
- Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Nagano -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Nagano?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Nagano, 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 Nagano?
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 Nagano in the Summer?
Both Nagano and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Nagano 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 Nagano. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Nagano 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nagano in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Nagano. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Nagano. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Nagano 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nagano in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Nagano. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
It's quite rainy in Nagano. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Nagano 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nagano in the Spring?
Both Nagano and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Nagano. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Nagano 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Nagano and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Nagano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.