A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phnom Penh vs. Hiroshima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Hiroshima?

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 Phnom Penh and Hiroshima. 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: Phnom Penh or Hiroshima?

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.

Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.

Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Phnom Penh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $41, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $100. 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 Phnom Penh and Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Hiroshima $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Hiroshima $128
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Hiroshima? 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.

Hotels in Phnom Penh


Hotels in Hiroshima


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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.87
    Hiroshima $9.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Vip Taxi Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $450
  • Vip Taxi Transfer from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk: $450
  • Private Taxi transfer from Bangkok to Phnom Penh City: $449
  • Private Taxi transfer from Pattaya to Phnom Penh (Cambodia): $435
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Pattaya (Thailand): $435
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Bangkok: $408
  • Private Transfer Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Hotel or Airport: $360
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Koh Kong Province: $172
  • Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by VIP Alphard 2005: $165
  • Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Pursat or Battambang: $155
  • Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $171
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $472
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $228
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $215
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $215
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima and Phnom Penh 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 day
    Phnom Penh $13
    Hiroshima $29
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:


  • Dinner for Two
    $10
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
  • Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
  • Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
  • Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
  • Phnom Penh's Ultimate Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima No1 food!! 'Okonomiyaki'-cooking class: $40
  • Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour: $66
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $73
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $79
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $81
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $94
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.65
    Hiroshima $5.39

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half Day tour Genocide Museum and Killing Field : $130
  • Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $20
  • Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
  • 10 Tastings of Phnom Penh Foodie Tour: $39
  • 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
  • 2 Days of Phnom Penh City Tour: $199
  • 3 Hours Private Morning Market and Art Tour in Phnom Penh: $45
  • 9 Days Cambodia Highlights Guided Motorcycle Tour: $1,952
  • A 10-day ethical animals tour of Cambodia: $1,699
  • A Day Trip From Phnom Penh - Historical Sites Tours : $35
  • A Day Trip Sightseeing of Phnom Penh With Private Tour Guide : $65

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.32
  • Hiroshima Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Locals: $17
  • Visit World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine by sea & Oyster raft tour: $25
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $25
  • Mihara Goshushi Tour-Walking around the castle town Mihara-: $26
  • Peace Park Tour VR/Hiroshima: $32
  • Original Amulet Making Experience: $32
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $32
  • Traditional Japanese Archery Experience: $35
  • Japanese Traditional Archery Experience Hiroshima : $36
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $37
  • Tea ceremony experience near Atomic Bomb Dome: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.33
    Hiroshima $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $10
  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima than you might in Phnom Penh.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phnom Penh Expensive? and Is Hiroshima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Hiroshima?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Hiroshima. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Hiroshima, 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.