A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hangzhou vs. Sapporo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hangzhou or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Hangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $106. 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 Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Sapporo $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Sapporo $126
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Sapporo? 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.

Hotels in Hangzhou


Hotels in Sapporo


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: Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hangzhou $8.11
    Sapporo $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • 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 Sapporo

Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • New Chitose Airport ↔ Sapporo, Best Transfer Pick up Service : $66
  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
  • Horseback-Riding in a Country Side in Sapporo - Private Transfer is Included: $154
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $143
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $158
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $93
  • Private Transfer: between Sapporo and Upopoy: $467
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $119
  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $37
  • SkyExpress Private Transfer: Sapporo to Otaru (8 Passengers): $289
  • [Airport Transfer] Smoothly move between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with a private car! one way: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 day
    Hangzhou $18
    Sapporo $30
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • 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 Sapporo

For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Market Tour, Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local in Sapporo: $82
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $82
  • Japanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Local Professional in her Lovely Home: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Sapporo $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 Sapporo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.

  • JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.04
  • Hand-rolled sushi experience tour at Sapporo Nijo Market: $44
  • Sapporo Morning Walking Tour: $46
  • Nopporo Forest Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo, presenting a retro Cycle cap: $50
  • Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $53
  • Experience traditional Japanese cuisine, making soba noodles in Sapporo, in a fun and casual way.: $53
  • Japanese buckwheat noodle making experience in Sapporo,japan: $57
  • Popular No.1! Soba Making Experience and Tempura Plan: $60
  • Mondo's most popular plan! Experience making soba noodles and the king of Japanese cuisine, tempura, in Sapporo!: $62
  • Mountain Bike Tour from Sapporo Including Hoheikyo Onsen and Lunch: $68
  • Personalized Experience with a Local: $69
  • in Sapporo! Hand-made soba experience and shabu-shabu experience plan of Yezo deer meat (Gibier meat) from Hokkaido: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Sapporo $7.98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Hangzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Sapporo. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In October, Hangzhou is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Sapporo. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sapporo. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. Hangzhou is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hangzhou is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)