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

Should you visit Nanjing or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagano? 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

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 Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano 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
    Nagano Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nanjing $118
    Nagano $109

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $109. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Nagano $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Nagano $126
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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: Nagano Hotel Prices.

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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
    Nagano $39

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Nagano $8.45

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Nagano -


When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Nagano, 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 Nagano Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Nagano?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

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

Nanjing is a little warmer than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Nagano 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 Nagano. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Nagano. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nanjing is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Nagano. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagano in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In January, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nanjing is a little warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagano. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Nanjing

Nanjing Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)