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

Should you visit Nagasaki or Whitsundays?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Whitsundays? 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 Whitsundays?

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.

Whitsundays

Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.

As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.

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 in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays is $132. 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 Whitsundays in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagasaki $47
    Whitsundays $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagasaki $94
    Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Nagasaki and Whitsundays

Looking for a hotel in Nagasaki or Whitsundays? 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 Whitsundays


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
    Whitsundays $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

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

  • Fukuoka Airport (FUK):Private Transfer to/from Nagasaki City: $474
  • Nagasaki Airport to/from Sasebo City Private Transfer: $221
  • Nagasaki Airport to/from Nagasaki City Private Transfer: $205
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $192
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $158
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $158
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $158
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $158
  • Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $151
  • Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $151
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays

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

  • Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagasaki or Whitsundays?

Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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
    Whitsundays $30

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 Whitsundays

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

  • Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagasaki $23
    Whitsundays $25

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 Whitsundays

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

  • Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,941
  • Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $195
  • From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $91
  • Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagasaki $11
    Whitsundays $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagasaki and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays is more expensive. And not only is Nagasaki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagasaki is in Asia and Whitsundays is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nagasaki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagasaki 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 Whitsundays would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whitsundays than you might in Nagasaki.

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



When is the best time to visit Nagasaki or Whitsundays?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Whitsundays in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagasaki and Whitsundays. The summer months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nagasaki is around the same temperature as Whitsundays. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagasaki in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. Nagasaki usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during summer. Nagasaki gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

Whitsundays receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagasaki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Whitsundaysin January. Nagasaki gets 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nagasaki 27°C (81°F) 
    Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Whitsundays in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagasaki as well as Whitsundays. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

In October, Nagasaki is generally cooler than Whitsundaysin April. Daily temperatures in Nagasaki average around 20°C (67°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. In the autumn, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin April. Nagasaki gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whitsundays. Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagasaki usually gets less rain in October than Whitsundaysin April. Nagasaki gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Whitsundays in the Winter?

Both Whitsundays and Nagasaki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagasaki is much colder than Whitsundays in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagasaki averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. Nagasaki usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during winter. Nagasaki gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nagasaki usually receives more rain than Whitsundaysin July. Nagasaki gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F) 
    Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Nagasaki or Whitsundays in the Spring?

Both Whitsundays and Nagasaki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nagasaki in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nagasaki is cooler than Whitsundays. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagasaki in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Nagasaki often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin October. Nagasaki gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. Nagasaki usually gets more rain in April than Whitsundaysin October. Nagasaki gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Nagasaki

Nagasaki Whitsundays
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 377 mm (14.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)


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