A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagano vs. Cape Town for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nagano or Cape Town?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nagano and Cape Town 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: Nagano or Cape Town?

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in South Africa, and The Best 2-Week Tours in South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Nagano?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagano is $90, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $98. 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 Nagano and Cape Town in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagano $61
    Cape Town $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagano $122
    Cape Town $78
Compare Hotels in Nagano and Cape Town

Looking for a hotel in Nagano or Cape Town? 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 Nagano


Hotels in Cape Town


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: Nagano Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagano $9.80
    Cape Town $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $687

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

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

  • From 3-Day Safari and Coastal Tour with Transfer: $508
  • From Group Transfer Only to Aquilla Game Reserve: $459
  • Big 5 Aquila Safari Private Transfer with Park Fee From Cape Town: $300
  • Jeep Dune Adventure Tour, Sandboarding & Transfer: $279
  • Shark Cage Diving & Penguins Tour to Gansbaai with private transfers: $274
  • Cape Town Morning or Afternoon Safari including private transfer: $254
  • Aquila Safari Game Drive, Lunch & Shared Transfers from Cape Town: $252
  • Whale Watching In Hermanus with Private Transfer: $250
  • Pvt Airport to Hout Bay Transfer: $243
  • Full Day Private Chauffeur and Transfer Services in Cape Town: $240
  • 1 Day Helderberg Valley Winelands Tour with Private Transfers: $232
  • Hermanus Wine Tour (Full Day Including Cape Town Transfers): $230

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagano or Cape Town?

Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Nagano 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
    Nagano $22
    Cape Town $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

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

  • Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
  • 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
  • African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
  • Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
  • Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
  • Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagano $8.17
    Cape Town $23

Tours and Activities in Nagano

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

  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $809
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $88
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $183
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $101
  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $49
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,381
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $556
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Wineries Private Tour in Stellenbosch, Paarl Tasting Included: $137
  • Cape Agulhas Full Day Private Tour: $192
  • Cape Point Full Day Tour: $192
  • Cape Point Private Tour withTable Mountain and Penguin Colony : $257
  • Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope day tour Up to 10 persons: $66
  • Cape Town - Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens and City Tour: $280
  • Cape Town Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour: $30
  • CapeWinelands Private Tour to Stellenbosch,Franschhoek and Paarl: $96
  • Day Tour in Robben Island, Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain : $166
  • Long Walk to Freedom in Robben Island including Ticket & Afrogem: $156
  • Mandela's Robben Island Museum Bo-Kaap Cape Town City Tour + Ferry ticket f/d: $165
  • Penguins Private Tour- Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point Tour from Cape Town: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagano -
    Cape Town $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
  • Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
  • Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
  • Three Region Wine Tour: $44
  • Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
  • Fullday Wine Tour: $51
  • Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54


When comparing the travel costs between Nagano and Cape Town, we can see that Cape Town 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. Even though Nagano is in Asia and Cape Town is in Africa, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Nagano or Cape Town?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Cape Town, 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 Nagano or Cape Town?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nagano has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nagano or Cape Town in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Cape Town. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nagano is a little warmer than Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Cape Townin January. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nagano 25°C (77°F) 
    Cape Town 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Cape Town in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Cape Town. Many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nagano is cooler than Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. In the autumn, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin April. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Cape Townin April. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nagano 16°C (60°F) 
    Cape Town 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Cape Town in the Winter?

Both Cape Town and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. In January, Nagano is generally much colder than Cape Townin July. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Cape Town during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Cape Townin July. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nagano 2°C (36°F) 
    Cape Town 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Nagano or Cape Town in the Spring?

Both Cape Town and Nagano during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nagano is cooler than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.

In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin October. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun.

Nagano usually gets more rain in April than Cape Townin October. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nagano 11°C (52°F) 
    Cape Town 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Cape Town and Nagano

Nagano Cape Town
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)