Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Kobe?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kobe or Suzhou?
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 Kobe and Suzhou. 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: Kobe or Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
-
Kobe Prices
Japan PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKobe $130Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Kobe is $130, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Kobe and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKobe $63Suzhou $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKobe $126Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Kobe and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Kobe or Suzhou? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kobe $14Suzhou $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Kobe Airport UKB to Osaka and Kobe City: $58
- Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $71
- Kobe to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $91
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
- Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Itami Airport: $115
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Kobe or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou and Kobe 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 dayKobe $54Suzhou $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
- Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
- Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
- Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
- Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kobe $24Suzhou $9.47
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
- Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
- Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
- Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
- Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
- Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
- Kobe City Highlights Guided Tour - Shrine, Port, Tower: $47
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
- Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKobe $8.87Suzhou $6.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186
When comparing the travel costs between Kobe and Suzhou, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kobe Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kobe or Suzhou?
Kobe has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Kobe and Suzhou, 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 Kobe or Suzhou?
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 Kobe or Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Kobe during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Kobe is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kobe in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In Suzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kobe often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Kobe gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.
Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. Kobe usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Kobe gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKobe 27°C (80°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kobe or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kobe and Suzhou. The autumn months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Kobe is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Kobe average around 18°C (65°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Kobe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during autumn. Kobe gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kobe usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Kobe gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKobe 18°C (65°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kobe or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kobe as well as Suzhou. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Suzhou. Kobe is a little warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Kobe averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Kobe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Kobe gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.
Kobe usually gets more rain in January than Suzhou. Kobe gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKobe 5°C (42°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Kobe or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou and Kobe are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kobe for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Kobe is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kobe in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Kobe usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Kobe gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Kobe. In April, Kobe usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Kobe gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKobe 15°C (58°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Kobe
| Kobe | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.