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

Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kao-hsiung $56
    Tokyo $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kao-hsiung $112
    Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Tokyo

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


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 and Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $11
    Tokyo $17

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
  • Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $44
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $59
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Arrival Private Transfer : $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki hotels to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $68

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

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $37

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.22
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.22
  • Meal at Airport
    $6.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
  • Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
  • 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
  • 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
  • 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
  • Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
  • Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
  • Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
  • Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
  • Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $20
    Tokyo $68

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

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
  • Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
  • Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
  • Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
  • 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
  • Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
  • Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
  • Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
  • Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
  • Asakusa(Tokyo): Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kao-hsiung $10
    Tokyo $33

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $3.91

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
  • barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
  • Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
  • Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
  • Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
  • Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
  • Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190


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

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 Tokyo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kao-hsiung. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Tokyo, 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.