A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nakhon Ratchasima vs. Osaka for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka?

Nakhon Ratchasima

If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.

Osaka

The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Nakhon Ratchasima?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Osaka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nakhon Ratchasima $19
    Osaka $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nakhon Ratchasima $38
    Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Osaka

Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka? 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 Nakhon Ratchasima


Hotels in Osaka


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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices and Osaka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50
    Osaka $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.36
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:


  • Subway
    $7.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka

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

  • Universal Studios Japan Entry Pass & Shared 1-way Transfer: $100
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $109
  • Private departure transfer from central Osaka city to Itami airport (ITM): $125
  • Private arrival transfer from Kansai airport to Kobe City & Arima Onsen: $92
  • Private Transfer from Osaka hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport(KIX): $79
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka hotels: $72
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka?

Prices for flights to both Osaka and Nakhon Ratchasima 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
    Nakhon Ratchasima $15
    Osaka $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka

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

  • Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
  • 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
  • Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
  • Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
  • Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
  • Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
  • Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
  • Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
  • RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
  • Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
  • Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
  • Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
    Osaka $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Osaka Aquarium (for 2)
    $30

Tours and Activities in Osaka

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

  • "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
  • "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
  • 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼šCastle, temples and Ukiyoe: $134
  • 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $179
  • 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $138
  • 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,579
  • 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
  • 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $117
  • 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,370
  • 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $71
  • 5 Hour Osaka Castle Tsutenkaku and Dotonbori Guided Tour: $71
  • 90mins Samurai Pilgrimage Osaka Castle Tour: $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $10
    Osaka $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:

  • Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
  • Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
  • Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
  • Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
  • Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
  • Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka than you might in Nakhon Ratchasima.

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


Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 2592410 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Osaka, 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka?

Osaka has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nakhon Ratchasima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka in the Summer?

Both Osaka and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In the summer, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In July, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Osaka. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F) 
    Osaka 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka in the Autumn?

Both Osaka and Nakhon Ratchasima during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 28°C (82°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets more rain in October than Osaka. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F) 
    Osaka 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Osaka. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F) 
    Osaka 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Osaka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Osaka. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Nakhon Ratchasima. In the spring, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in April average around 31°C (89°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F) 
    Osaka 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Osaka and Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima Osaka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in) 20°C (67°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in) 29°C (84°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)