Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Osaka or Whitsundays?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Whitsundays, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Osaka or Whitsundays?
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.
Whitsundays
Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.
As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $88Whitsundays $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $88, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays 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 Osaka and Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $45Whitsundays $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $90Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Osaka or Whitsundays? 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.Osaka $14Whitsundays $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Kansai Int Airport (KIX): Transfer to Osaka hotels: $339
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Itami Airport (ITM): $275
- Osaka Kansai Airport to Arima-Onsen Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $266
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Kinosakicho Yushima - Arrival Transfer: $242
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Osaka City: Private One-Way Transfers to/from Arima Onsen: $219
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $215
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $208
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $199
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays
Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $124
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $25Whitsundays $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays
For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $20Whitsundays $25
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)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $134
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $179
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $138
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,579
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $117
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,370
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $71
- 5 Hour Osaka Castle Tsutenkaku and Dotonbori Guided Tour: $71
- 90mins Samurai Pilgrimage Osaka Castle Tour: $214
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,941
- Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $195
- From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $91
- Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $12Whitsundays $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia and Whitsundays is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Whitsundays would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whitsundays than you might in Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Osaka or Whitsundays?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Whitsundays is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Osaka has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Osaka or Whitsundays in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Whitsundays. Many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Osaka is around the same temperature as Whitsundays. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
Whitsundays receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives less rain than Whitsundaysin January. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryOsaka 28°C (82°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Whitsundays. Most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Osaka is generally cooler than Whitsundaysin April. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. In the autumn, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin April. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whitsundays. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets less rain in October than Whitsundaysin April. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilOsaka 19°C (66°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Whitsundays in the Winter?
Both Whitsundays and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Osaka is much colder than Whitsundays in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Osaka usually receives more rain than Whitsundaysin July. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyOsaka 6°C (42°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Whitsundays in the Spring?
Both Whitsundays and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the spring, Osaka is much colder than Whitsundays. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin October. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Whitsundaysin October. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberOsaka 15°C (59°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Osaka
| Osaka | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 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.