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

Should you visit Nagoya or Suzhou?

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

Should I visit Nagoya 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: Nagoya or Suzhou?

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!

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 Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Nagoya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagoya is $89, 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 Nagoya and Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagoya $46
    Suzhou $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagoya $92
    Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Nagoya and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Nagoya 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 Nagoya


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: Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagoya $11
    Suzhou $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya

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

  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $94
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya city hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port : $131
  • Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $136
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $144
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Nagoya Private Transfer: $157
  • Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $187
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $276
  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $283
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $441

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
  • Suzhou Private Arrival Transfer:Railway Station to City Hotel: $27
  • 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
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Private Transfer to Hangzhou City from Suzhou: $113

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagoya or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nagoya $27
    Suzhou $32

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 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.
    Nagoya $13
    Suzhou $9.32

Tours and Activities in Nagoya

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

  • Shirakawa-go from Nagoya One Day Bus ticket Oneway/Roundway: $22
  • Shirakawa-go From Nagoya One day Bus Self-guided Tour: $23
  • Hida Takayama from Nagoya Bus ticket Oneway/Raundway: $25
  • Shirakawa-go from nagoya 1D Bus ticket with Hida Beef Lunch: $49
  • Tie-Dye Activity and Traditional Town Walking Tour in NAGOYA: $52
  • From Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $60
  • From Ise Grand Shrine Day Tour: $60
  • Private Tea Ceremony Experience in a Shopping Arcade Tea Room: $65
  • Private Tour to Famous Places in Nagoya: $71
  • Customized Private Tour: $72
  • Mitsui Outlet Park, Light-Up Festival, & Onsen Tour: $76
  • Hida Takayama & World Heritage Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $81

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
  • Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $153
  • Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
  • Full- Day Private Suzhou Tour Guide Service: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagoya $12
    Suzhou $6.40

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 comparing the travel costs between Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Suzhou?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya or Suzhou in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Nagoya is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagoya in July average around 27°C (80°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, Nagoya often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Nagoya gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagoya usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Nagoya or Suzhou in the Autumn?

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

In October, Nagoya is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 18°C (64°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during autumn. Nagoya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. In October, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nagoya 18°C (64°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Nagoya or Suzhou in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. The weather in Nagoya can be very cold. Nagoya is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Nagoya often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Nagoya gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.

Nagoya usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Suzhou. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nagoya 4°C (40°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Nagoya or Suzhou in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Nagoya is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagoya in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Nagoya usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Nagoya gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Nagoya

Nagoya Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 152 mm (6 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)