Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Nagoya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nagoya or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nagoya 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: Nagoya or Harbin?
Nagoya
Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!
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 Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 dayNagoya $89Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Nagoya is $89, 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 Nagoya and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNagoya $46Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNagoya $92Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Nagoya and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Nagoya 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: Nagoya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nagoya $11Harbin $1.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya
Also for Nagoya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Nagoya city hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port : $131
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $144
- Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $283
- Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $94
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $276
- Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $187
- Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $136
- Chubu Airport (NGO): Private Transfer to/from Naign Shrine: $768
- Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Nagoya Private Transfer: $157
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 Nagoya or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Nagoya 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 dayNagoya $27Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya
For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Grandma’s Traditional Cooking Class: $65
- Nagoya Special Food Tour: $66
- Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home: $92
- Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $174
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.Nagoya $13Harbin $52
Tours and Activities in Nagoya
For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Day Tour with Ghibli Park Admission Ticket Round Trip from Nagoya: $174
- Experience Japanese calligraphy & tea ceremony at a traditional house in Nagoya: $109
- Explore Holy Mt Horaiji Private Tour: $207
- Explore-Castles Tour in Samurai City Aichi Using Local Train: $233
- From Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $60
- From Ise Grand Shrine Day Tour: $60
- Full-Day Kisoji Nakasendo Trail Tour from Nagoya: $226
- Ghibli Park Ticket and Accommodation 2 Days Package (No Guide): $179
- Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Nagoya Castle & Tokugawa Museum and Garden: $142
- Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Nagoya Castle & Toyota Commemorative Museum: $118
- Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Noritake Garden & Toyota Commemorative Museum: $110
- Guided Half-day Tour(PM) to Nagoya Castle and Modern Technology at SCMAGLEV: $142
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 dayNagoya $12Harbin $7.83
Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:
- Pub Crawl in Nagoya: $38
- Restaurant and Bar Crawl in Nagoya Japan: $40
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagoya and Harbin, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya or Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Nagoya 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 Nagoya this time of year.
In July, Nagoya is generally a little warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 27°C (80°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 Nagoya. In July, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNagoya 27°C (80°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Nagoya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Nagoya is much warmer than Harbin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. Nagoya usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 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 OctoberNagoya 18°C (64°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Harbin. Many visitors come to Nagoya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Harbin can be very cold during winter. Nagoya can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nagoya is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagoya in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Harbin averages at about -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 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 JanuaryNagoya 4°C (40°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Harbin. Most visitors come to Nagoya for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Nagoya is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 14°C (58°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 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 AprilNagoya 14°C (58°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Nagoya
| Nagoya | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.