A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nanjing vs. Hiroshima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nanjing or Hiroshima?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Hiroshima? 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 Hiroshima?

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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Nanjing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nanjing Prices
    China Prices
    Hiroshima Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nanjing $118
    Hiroshima $126

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Hiroshima $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Hiroshima? 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 Nanjing


Hotels in Hiroshima


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: Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Hiroshima $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Private Day Tour: Nanjing City Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $285
  • Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Nanjing to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
  • Nanjing to Wuxi Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $88
  • Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

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

  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima 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 day
    Nanjing $49
    Hiroshima $52

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 Hiroshima

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

  • Hiroshima Night Walk & Traditional Okonomiyaki Dinner Tour: $52
  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Hiroshima $5.58

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
  • Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
  • Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.76
  • LAGOON Nightclub Admission Ticket(For Foreign): $6.76
  • Hiroshima Kagura Performance Entry Ticket: $12
  • HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER Admission Ticket: $16
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Hiroshima and Peace Park Private guided Tour: $22
  • Peace Memorial Park Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Tour: $23
  • Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour with Expert Guide: $23
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A Guided Tour: $24
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Hiroshima $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200


When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Hiroshima?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hiroshima. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?

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 Nanjing or Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima and Nanjing during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets less rain in July than Hiroshima. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Hiroshima. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the shopping scene.

Nanjing is around the same temperature as Hiroshima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Hiroshima. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In the winter, Nanjing is much colder than Hiroshima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Hiroshima. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Nanjing

Nanjing Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)