Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Nagasaki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nagasaki or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nagasaki or Harbin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Nagasaki or Harbin?
Nagasaki
Set in a natural harbor on the northwest coast of Japan, Nagasaki is a Japanese city synonymous with a key moment during WWII after suffering an Allied nuclear attack in 1945. While the event is memorialized at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, the city in no way is defined by the event. Today it exists as a culturally and religiously diverse port town with a certain charm amongst the terraces of surrounding hills.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNagasaki $90Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Nagasaki is $90, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Nagasaki and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNagasaki $47Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNagasaki $94Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Nagasaki and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Nagasaki or Harbin? 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: Nagasaki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nagasaki $18Harbin $1.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki
Also for Nagasaki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $158
- Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143
- Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $158
- Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $143
- Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $158
- Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka City Hotels: $143
- Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $158
- Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki Port to Nagasaki Airport (NGS): $46
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki hotels: $68
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Hotels: $61
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Airport: $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Nagasaki or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Nagasaki 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 dayNagasaki $28Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki
For Nagasaki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Beach Dinner: $50
- Nagasaki Night Out Food Tour: $158
- Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $161
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nagasaki $23Harbin $52
Tours and Activities in Nagasaki
For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Experience Hasami Ware with professionals ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $119
- 4 Hour Private Cherry Blossom "Sakura" Experience in Nagasaki: $218
- Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $12
- Hasami Ware 2-Day Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~: $179
- Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $94
- Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $88
- Must-See Nagasaki With A Local: Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $238
- Nagasaki Custom Full Day Tour: $194
- Nagasaki Custom Half Day Tour: $123
- Nagasaki Downtown Private Tour: $80
- Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
- Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNagasaki $11Harbin $7.83
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagasaki and Harbin, we can see that Nagasaki is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Nagasaki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagasaki than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagasaki Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki and Harbin, 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 Nagasaki or Harbin?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Nagasaki or Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.
In July, Nagasaki is generally a little warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 27°C (81°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. In July, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNagasaki 27°C (81°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nagasaki or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Nagasaki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Nagasaki is much warmer than Harbin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNagasaki 20°C (67°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Nagasaki or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Harbin. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Harbin can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nagasaki is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagasaki in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Harbin averages at about -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNagasaki 7°C (44°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Nagasaki or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Harbin. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Nagasaki is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 16°C (60°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNagasaki 16°C (60°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Nagasaki
| Nagasaki | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 7°C (44°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (45°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 334 mm (13.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (48°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.