Which place is cheaper, Nara or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Nara?
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 Nara 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 Nara?
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.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Nara $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, 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 Hongcun and Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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.Hongcun $12Nara $5.83
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 Hongcun or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $19Nara $28
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 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.Hongcun $17Nara $7.81
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 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 dayHongcun $14Nara $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 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 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 Nara Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Nara in the Summer?
Both Nara and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hongcun is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 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 JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Nara in the Autumn?
Both Nara and Hongcun during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Hongcun is around the same temperature as Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 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 OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Nara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Nara. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Nara can be very cold. Hongcun can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hongcun is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Nara. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 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 JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Nara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Nara. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In April, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Nara. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Nara. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.