Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Kobe can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Kobe?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Kobe $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. 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 Hongcun and Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Kobe $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Kobe? 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: Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hongcun $12Kobe $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport: $48
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
- Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe and Hongcun 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 dayHongcun $19Kobe $30
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.83
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Kobe $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- Kobe Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Admission Ticket: $16
- Mt Rokko night view & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour: $57
- Private Tour - Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible: $70
- Kobe : Private Custom Tour (Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible): $71
- Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host: $78
- KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
- Sake Tour and Tasting in Kobe: $84
- Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour: $92
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
- Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $94
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Kobe $8.56
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
- Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe than you might in Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Kobe?
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 Hongcun or Kobe in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Kobe. Additionally, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Hongcun is around the same temperature as Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Hongcun is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hongcun in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In October, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Kobe. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Kobe in the Winter?
Both Kobe and Hongcun during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hongcun is generally cooler than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 4°C (40°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Hongcun usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Kobe. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.
Hongcun is a little warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Kobe. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.