Which place is cheaper, Nara or Mandalay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Mandalay or Nara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Nara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Mandalay or Nara?
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
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 The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Mandalay Prices
Myanmar PricesNara Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $19Nara $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $19, while the average daily cost in Nara is $101. 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 Mandalay and Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Nara $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Nara $98
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay 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.Mandalay -Nara $5.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Airport Transfer, Paleik Snake Pagoda, a little bit of Bagan and to AVA: $50
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $180
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $180
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $230
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- City-to-City Transfer, from Nara to Each City in Kansai: $200
Is it cheaper to fly into Mandalay or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara and Mandalay 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 dayMandalay $10Nara $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mandalay -Nara $7.42
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Private Tour in Mandalay and Amarapura: $41
- Private Full-Day Mandalay Heritage Charter Car Tour: $45
- Mandalay Bike 'n Bite Tour: $45
- Full day Adventure Trip in Mandalay & Amarapura: $61
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $65
- One Day Tour Of Mandalay,Sagaing,Innwa,Amarapura: $70
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $70
- Ancient City Tour in Mandalay: $70
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing: $75
- Private Tour for Amarapura, Mingun, Sagaing and Inwa (AVA): $77
- Private Pyin Oo Lwin Day Return Tour: $80
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Traditional Chopstick Making Workshop Experience Japan: $19
- Nara Deer Park Todaiji and Buddha Temple Walking Tour: $25
- Nara Station Bamboo Lantern Craft Experience: $25
- Nara Art Clock Making Workshop Experience: $25
- Samurai Spirit Kendo Experience【Nara】: $38
- Nara Highlights Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $41
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $41
- Book for 4 or more! “Sushi Experience Course” in Nara: $42
- Nara Highlight Walking Tour with Furoshiki Experience with Lunch: $51
- Nara Deer, Great Buddha & Traditional Mochi Experience: $51
- Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide: $63
- Uji Walking Tour World Heritage Temple and Matcha Custom Made: $63
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMandalay -Nara $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Nara
Also in Nara, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Nara Afternoon Sake Walk: Brewery Visit, Tastings & Local Streets: $108
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Nara, we can see that Nara is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandalay Expensive? and Is Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Nara?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay and Nara, 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.
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.