A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Matsue vs. Tainan City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Matsue or Tainan City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Tainan City 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: Matsue or Tainan City?

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

Tainan City

The oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan was once the nation's capital during imperial times and is today famous for its temples and historic buildings which speak to this distant past. Additionally Tainan has become known for its lively night markets and fantastic snack foods available from a large concentrate of street vendors located throughout the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Taiwan.


Which place is cheaper, Tainan City or Matsue?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $65, while the average daily cost in Tainan City is $111. 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 Matsue and Tainan City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $26
    Tainan City $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $52
    Tainan City $118
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Tainan City

Looking for a hotel in Matsue or Tainan City? 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 Matsue


Hotels in Tainan City


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: Matsue Hotel Prices and Tainan City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $20
    Tainan City $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Tainan City?

Prices for flights to both Tainan City and Matsue 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
    Matsue $27
    Tainan City $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $8.81
    Tainan City $11

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $6.85
    Tainan City $5.75


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Matsue Expensive? and Is Tainan City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Matsue or Tainan City?

Tainan City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Matsue and Tainan City, 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.