Which place is cheaper, Nara or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Nara?
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 Nara. 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Nara $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Nara? 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: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Nara $5.83
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:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
- Hangzhou to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $45
- Hangzhou to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Hangzhou Train Station Transfer: $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $18Nara $28
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Nara $7.81
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
- Hangzhou West Lake Highlights Half Day Tour : $85
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- Half-Day Hangzhou Tianzhu Buddhist Mountain Hiking Tour with Green Tea Village : $89
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
- Hangzhou Private Amazing English Tour Guide Service: $90
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Nara $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Nara?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Nara, 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 Nara?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nara in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Nara. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Nara. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Nara. Additionally, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Nara. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nara can be very cold during winter. Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Nara. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Hangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nara. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.