Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Pai?
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 Pai or Sapporo?
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 Sapporo. 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 Sapporo?
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.
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 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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Pai Prices
Thailand PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $89Sapporo $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $89, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $123. 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 Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Sapporo $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Sapporo $122
Compare Hotels in Pai and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Pai 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: Pai Hotel Prices and Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $41Sapporo $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Smoothly move between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with a private car! one way: $211
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Sapporo to Chitose Airport Private Transfer | Licensed Driver: $274
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Private Transfer- Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Otaru Port: $165
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $271
- Private Airport Transfer: Sapporo City→ New Chitose Airport (CTS): $150
- New Chitose Airport(CTS): Private Transfer to/from Niseko/Sapporo: $90
- CTS New Chitose Airport To/From Sappro Private Transfer: $249
- Between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: Private One-Way Transfer: $159
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 $41Sapporo $50
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
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Izakaya & Street Food Tour (10+ Dishes, Drinks Included): $102
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $45Sapporo $16
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $237
- 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $162
- 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
- 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
- A pairing experience in Sapporo where you can enjoy tempura and 3 kinds of Hokkaido-only sake, along with a soba-noodle making experience!: $121
- Asahiyama Zoo, Biei tree, Shirohige Falls and Blue Pond Day Tour: $85
- Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
- Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, Biei, and Blue Pond Day Tour: $100
- Authentic Kendo Experience in Sapporo with a 6 Dan Instructor: $115
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & Local History Tour: $62
- Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $162
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Sapporo $7.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Sapporo?
Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Pai is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (85°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
Pai usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.
Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Pai or Sapporo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Sapporo. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.
Pai is much warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sapporo. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Pai or Sapporo in the Winter?
Both Sapporo and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Sapporo. In the winter, Pai is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pai in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Pai or Sapporo in the Spring?
Both Sapporo and Pai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the spring for the activities around the city.
Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Pai is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 32°C (89°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Pai. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.
Pai usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Pai
| Pai | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.