Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nanjing or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Kobe? 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
-
Nanjing Prices
China PricesKobe Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Kobe $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Kobe $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Kobe? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Kobe $14
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 Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Car: $161
- Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Van: $178
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $299
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $178
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
- Departure Transfer: Kobe to Kobe Airport UKB by Business Car: $161
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $144
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $49Kobe $54
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 Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
- Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
- Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
- Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
- Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Kobe $24
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 Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
- Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
- Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
- Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
- Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
- Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
- Kobe City Highlights Guided Tour - Shrine, Port, Tower: $47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Kobe $8.87
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186
When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Kobe?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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 Kobe in the Summer?
Both Kobe and Nanjing during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).
Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Kobe in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Kobe. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
In October, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Kobe. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Kobe in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Kobe. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. Nanjing is much colder than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Kobe in the Spring?
Both Kobe and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Kobe. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.