Which place is cheaper, Nara or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Nara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Nara? 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Nanjing Prices
China PricesNara Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Nara $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Nara is $111. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Nara $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Nara $108
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Nara? 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: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Nara $6.04
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
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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
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Food Meals for one dayNanjing $49Nara $51
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 Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Handmade Soba and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $49
- Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $52
- Nara Personalized Half Day Food Tour with a Local Guide: $160
- Taste of Nara A Guided Half Day Food Tour Tailored to Your Taste: $160
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Nara $8.09
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Gripped Sumi Ink Experience at a Historic Workshop in Nara: $23
- Naramachi walking tour with Local: $31
- Nara Highlight Walking Tour with Furoshiki Experience with Lunch: $35
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $45
- Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide: $69
- Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $70
- Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $74
- Nara - Highlights Bike Tour: $76
- Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available): $79
- First Time Nara Tour UNESCO Sites with Lunch and Deer Feed: $83
- Nara Todaiji Lazy Bird Walking Tour: $92
- Nara World Heritage PRIVATE TOUR: $102
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Nara $12
When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Nara, 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Nara?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Nara, 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 Nara?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Nanjing or Nara in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Nara. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Nara. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Nara. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nara can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Nara. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Nara. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nara for the natural beauty during these months.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Nara 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 April than Nara. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.