Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Nara?
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 Nara or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nara or Suzhou? 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: Nara or Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Nara Prices
Japan PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNara $111Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Nara is $111, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Nara and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNara $54Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNara $108Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Nara and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Nara or Suzhou? 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.Nara $6.04Suzhou $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Nara or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou and Nara 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 dayNara $51Suzhou $57
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nara $8.09Suzhou $9.47
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
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
- Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
- Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
- Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
- Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
- Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNara $12Suzhou $6.50
When comparing the travel costs between Nara and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Nara Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nara or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Nara and Suzhou, 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 Nara or Suzhou?
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 Nara or Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 27°C (80°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Suzhou. Nara usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Nara gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Nara. In July, Nara usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNara 27°C (80°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nara or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou and Nara during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Nara is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Nara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. Nara usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNara 17°C (63°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Nara or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Suzhou. The winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. The weather in Nara can be very cold. In the winter, Nara is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nara in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during winter. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Nara usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNara 4°C (40°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Nara or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nara as well as Suzhou. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In April, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 14°C (57°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the spring, Nara often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nara usually gets more rain in April than Suzhou. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNara 14°C (57°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Nara
| Nara | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (44°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.