Which place is cheaper, Osaka 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 Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Osaka? 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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.
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Nanjing Prices
China PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Osaka $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $110. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Osaka $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Osaka? 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Osaka $14
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $72
- Airport Transfer!Hotel in center of Osaka to Kansai Airport (KIX): $192
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $258
- Itami Airport(ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto: $42
- Japan Railway Station Shared Arrival Transfer : Shin Osaka Station to Osaka City: $71
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka to Shin Osaka Station: $70
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $282
- Kansai Airport（KIX） to or from Osaka Kyoto Private Transfer: $62
- Kansai Area City to City Transfer: $102
- Kansai Intl. Airport (KIX) Private Transfer to/from Osaka: $80
- Osaka : Private One-way Transfers to/from Kansai Airport(KIX): $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $49Osaka $45
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Osaka $21
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Shinsaibashi: AMMONA Nightclub Entry Ticket (For Foreign): $6.83
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM Live Show & Nightclub Admission Tickets: $6.88
- Osaka Umeda: OWL Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- Osaka Dotonbori: GIRAFFE Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- Osaka Food Quest: Self-Guided Culinary & History Adventure: $7.16
- HEP Ferris Wheel Osaka Entry Ticket: $11
- Osaka Castle Entry Ticket: $13
- Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $13
- Osaka Hidden Gems Tour: Tennoji & Oldest Temple with Audio Guide: $14
- Osaka Oracle GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $14
- Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower Ticket: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259
When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Osaka, 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Osaka?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Osaka. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing usually gets more rain in July than Osaka. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Osaka in the Autumn?
Both Osaka and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Osaka. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Nanjing during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nanjing can be very cold during winter. Nanjing is much colder than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Osaka in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Osaka. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the spring, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Osaka 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 Osaka. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.