Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nanjing or Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo?
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.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
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.
-
Nanjing Prices
China PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Sapporo $65
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Sapporo? 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: Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Sapporo $16
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 dayNanjing $49Sapporo $54
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 Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Sapporo $17
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 Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.33
- Sapporo TV Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- Historical Village of Hokkaido Entry Ticket: $6.76
- JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Ticket in Hokkaido: $9.00
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Walking Tour: $31
- Hokkaido Shrine Tour with Rituals, History & Sweets: $43
- Tour of the Historic Red Brick Government Office: $50
- Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $55
- Beer Museum Tour with Tasting of Local Brews: $57
- Sapporo Walking Tour: $61
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Sapporo?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
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 Sapporo in the Summer?
Both Sapporo and Nanjing during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Nanjing is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Sapporo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Sapporo. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Nanjing is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Sapporo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Sapporo. Additionally, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.
It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. Nanjing is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).
It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Sapporo in the Spring?
Both Sapporo and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Nanjing is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.