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

Should you visit Nanjing or Nagasaki?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagasaki? 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 Nagasaki?

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.

Nagasaki

Set in a natural harbor on the northwest coast of Japan, Nagasaki is a Japanese city synonymous with a key moment during WWII after suffering an Allied nuclear attack in 1945. While the event is memorialized at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, the city in no way is defined by the event. Today it exists as a culturally and religiously diverse port town with a certain charm amongst the terraces of surrounding hills.

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


Which place is cheaper, Nagasaki 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
    Nagasaki Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nanjing $118
    Nagasaki $114

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Nagasaki is $114. 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 Nagasaki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Nagasaki $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Nagasaki $98
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Nagasaki

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Nagasaki? 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 Nagasaki


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: Nagasaki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Nagasaki $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
  • Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
  • Private Transfer Between Tangshan Hot Spring Resort and Nanjing Lukou Airport: $49
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

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

  • Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $196
  • Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Port: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Nagasaki?

Prices for flights to both Nagasaki 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
    Nagasaki $50

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 Nagasaki

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

  • Cooking with a Local Okaasan at Kominka in Ojika Island Nagasaki: $41
  • Sunset Beach Dinner: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Nagasaki $23

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 Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Nagasaki GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $12
  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $13
  • Discover Stunning Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Nagasaki: $23
  • Experience farming (rice cultivation) in terraced rice paddies: $38
  • Private Fishing and Dining Experience in Ojika Japan: $45
  • Traditional Kimono Experience in Nagasaki: $55
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Terraced Rice Paddy Restaurant and Rural Experience: $61
  • Finding Local Cats and Hidden Alleys of Nagasaki Walking Tour: $62
  • Mochitsuki Rice Cake Making Experience in Ojika Island: $78
  • Nagasaki Gyoza&Soy Sauce Ramen Culinary Experience: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Nagasaki $11


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


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Nagasaki?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Nagasaki. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

In the summer, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing usually gets less rain in July than Nagasaki. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Nagasaki 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Nanjing is generally cooler than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagasaki in the Winter?

Both Nagasaki and Nanjing during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Nagasaki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. Nanjing is much colder than Nagasaki in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Nagasaki. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagasaki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Nagasaki. Also, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Nanjing

Nanjing Nagasaki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)