A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagasaki vs. Suzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nagasaki or Suzhou?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou?

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.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Nagasaki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagasaki is $90, while the average daily cost in Suzhou 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 Nagasaki and Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagasaki $47
    Suzhou $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagasaki $94
    Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Nagasaki and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Nagasaki 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.

Hotels in Nagasaki


Hotels in Suzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagasaki $18
    Suzhou $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

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

  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Port to Nagasaki Airport (NGS): $46
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Airport: $51
  • Private Transfer - Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki hotels: $68
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Nagasaki Airport(NGS) to Nagasaki city - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
  • Nagasaki to Nagasaki Airport (NGS) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $143
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
  • 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 Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $280
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagasaki or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nagasaki $28
    Suzhou $32

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 Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
  • 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.
    Nagasaki $23
    Suzhou $9.32

Tours and Activities in Nagasaki

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

  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $12
  • Nagasaki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Stunning Nagasaki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Nagasaki Shianbashi Tour: $76
  • Taste Local Life: Nagasaki's Historical Street Walking Tour: $78
  • Nagasaki Downtown Private Tour: $80
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with 1-day Tram Ticket: $84
  • Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $88
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
  • Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $94

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • 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 : $127
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
  • All Inclusive Suzhou Highlight Tour with Boat Ride and Lunch: $179
  • Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $248
  • Flexible Shanghai Private Day Tour from Suzhou by Bullet Train: $208
  • Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
  • Full- Day Private Suzhou Tour Guide Service: $150
  • Full-day Private Tour of Top Suzhou Gardens: $211

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagasaki $11
    Suzhou $6.40


When comparing the travel costs between Nagasaki and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Nagasaki Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Suzhou?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Suzhou in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Suzhou. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagasaki in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. In the summer, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nagasaki 27°C (81°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Suzhou in the Autumn?

Both Suzhou and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nagasaki is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 20°C (67°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during autumn. Nagasaki gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. In October, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Suzhou in the Winter?

Both Suzhou and Nagasaki during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. Nagasaki is much warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki usually gets more rain in January than Suzhou. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Suzhou in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Suzhou. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

In the spring, Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagasaki in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Nagasaki usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Nagasaki

Nagasaki Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)