Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nanjing or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Guangzhou? 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: Nanjing or Guangzhou?
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $96Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Nanjing and Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $46Guangzhou $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $92Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Guangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $38Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $72
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $63
- Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $114
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45
- Nanjing Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Experience with Private Transfer: $103
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $67
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $67
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $71
- Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
- Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $85
- Guangzhou airport to hotel private transfer : $57
- Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Nanjing 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 dayNanjing $28Guangzhou $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $100
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $110
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.28Guangzhou $18
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
- Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
- Zhenjiang Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver service : $101
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
- Nanjing Private Night Tour: Confucian Temple Area, Ming City Wall, Laomendong: $116
- Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
- 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.48Guangzhou $14
When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Guangzhou, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Nanjing. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Guangzhou, 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 Nanjing or Guangzhou?
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 Nanjing or Guangzhou in the Summer?
Both Guangzhou and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Nanjing is cooler than Guangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Guangzhou. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Guangzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Guangzhou.
Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nanjing is much colder than Guangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Guangzhou.
In April, Nanjing is generally cooler than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.