Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pai or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pai and Osaka. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Pai or Osaka?
Pai
As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $64Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $64, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Pai and Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $14Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $28Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Pai and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Pai 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: Pai Hotel Prices and Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $37Osaka $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai
Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
- Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
- Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132
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:
- Universal Studios Japan Entry Pass & Shared 1-way Transfer: $100
- Universal Studio Japan Private Transfer : from USJ to Osaka City (One Way): $95
- Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport: $25
- Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $66
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $109
- Private departure transfer from central Osaka city to Itami airport (ITM): $125
- Private arrival transfer from Kansai airport to Kobe City & Arima Onsen: $92
- Private Transfer from Osaka hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka hotels: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka and Pai 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 dayPai $21Osaka $25
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
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $42
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $48
- Home Cooking Class: $50
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $58
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $40Osaka $20
Tours and Activities in Pai
For Pai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle Tipsy Tubing Experience with Shots: $6.76
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:
- "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: $178
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $116
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $137
- 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-Hour Osaka Local food Hopping tour in Namba: $39
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $116
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $13Osaka $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
- Pub Bar Crawl Enjoy Unique Japanese Drinks with Local: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
- 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Pai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pai 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka than you might in Pai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pai Expensive? and Is Osaka Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Osaka?
Osaka has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Pai or Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Pai is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (85°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Pai usually receives less sunshine than Osaka during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Osaka. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pai or Osaka in the Autumn?
Both Osaka and Pai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Pai is much warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Pai. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Osaka. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Pai or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the winter, Pai is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pai in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Osaka. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Pai or Osaka in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Osaka. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Osaka for the activities around the city.
Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Pai is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 32°C (89°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Pai
| Pai | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.