Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Osaka?
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 Osaka. 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Osaka? 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.11Osaka $14
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:
- Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $95
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $55
- Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
- Private Transfer between Nanxun Ancient Water Town and Hangzhou City Area : $98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
- Airport Transfer! Osaka Airport (ITM) to Center of hotel in Osaka: $150
- Arrival Private Transfer from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City by Minivan: $75
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $199
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $215
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Osaka: $87
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer ⇋ Osaka: $158
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $177
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $208
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
- Kansai Airport (KIX) - Osaka City Private One-way Transfer: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $18Osaka $25
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Osaka $20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
- Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
- Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
- Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
- Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
- Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
- Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Osaka. Additionally, most visitors come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Osaka. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Osaka in the Autumn?
Both Osaka and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Osaka. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. Hangzhou is cooler than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Osaka. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Osaka in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Osaka. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.