Which place is cheaper, Okinawa or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Okinawa?
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 Okinawa. 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 Okinawa?
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.
Okinawa
Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Okinawa $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $104. 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 Okinawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Okinawa $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Okinawa $144
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Okinawa
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Okinawa? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Okinawa $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:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station 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 Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Safari Park and City Hotels: $37
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from City hotels: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:
- Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
- Airport Transfer! Naha Airport (OKA) to Center of Naha: $124
- Naha hotels to Okinawa Naha Airport (ОКА) - Departure Transfer: $59
- Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) to Naha Hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $118
- Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) to Naha hotels - Arrival Transfer: $59
- Private Transfer from Naha City Hotels to Nakagusuku Cruise Port : $59
- Private Transfer from Naha City Hotels to Nakagusuku Cruise Port : $66
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha City Hotels : $66
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $85
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $94
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Okinawa?
Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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 $18Okinawa $23
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Okinawa $14
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 Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea 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
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
- Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- Genuine West Lake and Tea Experience with Locals: $100
Tours and Activities in Okinawa
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:
- Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $36
- Mangrove Kayaking Tour: $38
- Okinawa Hot spot walk and local food ＆ beer tour(All include): $46
- Jungle River Trek: private tour in Yanbaru, north Okinawa: $49
- Kayak Mangroves or Coral Reef: private tour in north Okinawa : $53
- North Okinawa Bus Day Tour Manzamo Kouri Island Ocean Expo Park American Village: $57
- Mangrove Kayak ＆ Sea Fishing Experience in Okinawa: $57
- Sakaemachi Market Bar Hopping Tour: $58
- Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $66
- 2-Hour Private Gorilla Go Kart Experience in Okinawa: $68
- Kerama Islands 1 day snorkeling tour from Okinawa Naha: $72
- Sushi Making Experience Class in Naha Makishi Public Market: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Okinawa $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Okinawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Okinawa:
- Naha Local Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa 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 Okinawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Okinawa?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?
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 Okinawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Okinawa. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.
In the summer, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Okinawa averages at about 29°C (84°F).
Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Okinawa 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Okinawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Okinawa. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Hangzhou is generally cooler than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Okinawa 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Okinawa in the Winter?
Both Okinawa and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. Hangzhou is much colder than Okinawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In January, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Okinawa 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Okinawa in the Spring?
Both Okinawa and Hangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Hangzhou is cooler than Okinawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Okinawa averages at about 22°C (71°F).
Okinawa 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 April than Okinawa. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Okinawa 22°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Okinawa and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Okinawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.