Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $95Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $95, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $46Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $92Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Hangzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $38Hangzhou $8.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
- Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $73
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $53
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $63
- Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $178
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $33
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $116
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $116
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45
- Nanjing Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Experience with Private Transfer: $103
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Shaoxing City : $84
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Chauffeur Service,Hangzhou Airport Transfer: $59
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
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Food Meals for one dayNanjing $28Hangzhou $18
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
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.34
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.23Hangzhou $20
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
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $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 City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $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 Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Hangzhou West Lake Highlights Half Day Tour : $85
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- Half-Day Hangzhou Tianzhu Buddhist Mountain Hiking Tour with Green Tea Village : $89
- Hangzhou Private Amazing English Tour Guide Service: $90
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.43Hangzhou $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Hangzhou, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing than you might in Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Hangzhou?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Hangzhou. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Hangzhou.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Hangzhou.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.