A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kao-hsiung vs. Mashiko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Mashiko?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kao-hsiung and Mashiko 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: Kao-hsiung or Mashiko?

Kao-hsiung

Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Kao-hsiung?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $102, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $64. 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 Kao-hsiung and Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kao-hsiung $56
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kao-hsiung $112
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Mashiko

Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Mashiko? 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 Kao-hsiung


Hotels in Mashiko


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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $11
    Mashiko $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:

  • Explore Kaohsiung - 8 Hours Private Transfers - Best of Kaohsiung Sites: $179
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Taitung Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $152
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $79
  • Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $71
  • Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $49
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Kaohsiung International Airport and Kaohsiung City Transfer: $41
  • Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Mashiko?

Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Kao-hsiung 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
    Kao-hsiung $32
    Mashiko $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $20
    Mashiko $8.85

Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:

  • 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $160
  • Day Tour to Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower and Anping Castle : $87
  • Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
  • Half-day tour Kaohsiung: $103
  • Kaohsiung /Pingtung Day Tour : $150
  • Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
  • Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $150
  • Kaohsiung Walking Day Tour: $130
  • Kaohsiung: Experience the Riverside : $159
  • Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: $75
  • Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour: $100
  • Private Tour Alishan Culture and Ecology from Kaohsiung: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kao-hsiung $10
    Mashiko $5.13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kao-hsiung and Mashiko, we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mashiko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mashiko 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 Kao-hsiung would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kao-hsiung than you might in Mashiko.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kao-hsiung Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Mashiko?

Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Mashiko, 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.