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

Should you visit Nanjing or Nagoya?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagoya? 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 Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!

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


Which place is cheaper, Nagoya or Nanjing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Nagoya is $89. 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 Nagoya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $46
    Nagoya $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $92
    Nagoya $92
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Nagoya

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Nagoya? 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 Nagoya


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: Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $38
    Nagoya $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • 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 Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing Railway Station: $44
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing Lukou Airport: $88
  • Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing : $88
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
  • 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 Zhenjiang from Nanjing: $94
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya

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

  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $441
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Nagoya Private Transfer: $157
  • Chubu Airport (NGO): Private Transfer to/from Naign Shrine: $768
  • Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $136
  • Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $187
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $276
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $94
  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $283
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $144
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya city hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port : $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Nagoya?

Prices for flights to both Nagoya 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 $28
    Nagoya $27

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
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

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

  • Grandma’s Traditional Cooking Class: $65
  • Nagoya Special Food Tour: $66
  • Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home: $92
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.27
    Nagoya $13

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: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
  • All-inclusive Customized Nanjing Layover Tour: $201
  • Beijing Great Wall Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train with Private Car Service: $282
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $164
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Flexible Zhenjiang Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $197
  • Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $165

Tours and Activities in Nagoya

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

  • Shirakawa-go from Nagoya One Day Bus ticket Oneway/Roundway: $22
  • Shirakawa-go From Nagoya One day Bus Self-guided Tour: $23
  • Hida Takayama from Nagoya Bus ticket Oneway/Raundway: $25
  • Shirakawa-go from nagoya 1D Bus ticket with Hida Beef Lunch: $49
  • Tie-Dye Activity and Traditional Town Walking Tour in NAGOYA: $52
  • From Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $60
  • From Ise Grand Shrine Day Tour: $60
  • Private Tea Ceremony Experience in a Shopping Arcade Tea Room: $65
  • Private Tour to Famous Places in Nagoya: $71
  • Customized Private Tour: $72
  • Mitsui Outlet Park, Light-Up Festival, & Onsen Tour: $76
  • Hida Takayama & World Heritage Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.46
    Nagoya $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:

  • Pub Crawl in Nagoya: $38
  • Restaurant and Bar Crawl in Nagoya Japan: $40


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


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Nagoya?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Nagoya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Nagoya averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing usually gets less rain in July than Nagoya. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagoya in the Autumn?

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

In October, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Nagoya 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagoya in the Winter?

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

Nagoya can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. Nanjing is much colder than Nagoya in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Nagoya. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nanjing or Nagoya in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Nagoya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Nagoya averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Nanjing

Nanjing Nagoya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 14°C (58°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)