Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Pyeongchang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pyeongchang or Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pyeongchang or Sapporo, 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: Pyeongchang or Sapporo?
Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPyeongchang $114Sapporo $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Pyeongchang is $114, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $106. 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 Pyeongchang and Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPyeongchang $62Sapporo $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPyeongchang $124Sapporo $126
Compare Hotels in Pyeongchang and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Pyeongchang 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: Pyeongchang Hotel Prices and Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pyeongchang $25Sapporo $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: $135
- SkyExpress Private Transfer: Sapporo to Otaru (8 Passengers): $289
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $37
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $119
- Private Transfer: between Sapporo and Upopoy: $467
- Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $93
- Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $158
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $143
- Horseback-Riding in a Country Side in Sapporo - Private Transfer is Included: $154
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
- New Chitose Airport ↔ Sapporo, Best Transfer Pick up Service : $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Pyeongchang or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo and Pyeongchang 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 dayPyeongchang $27Sapporo $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Market Tour, Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local in Sapporo: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $82
- Japanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Local Professional in her Lovely Home: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pyeongchang $51Sapporo $16
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $275
- A Japanese food experience plan in Sapporo where you can enjoy tempura and 3 types of Hokkaido-only sake along with a soba making experience!: $82
- Experience Hokkaido's Summer, Furano, Blue Pond & All-you-can-eat Fresh Melon! : $99
- Experience traditional Japanese cuisine, making soba noodles in Sapporo, in a fun and casual way.: $53
- Exploring Hokkaido Nightlife Susukino Evening Walking Tour: $131
- Friday only! A Japanese food experience where you can enjoy hand-made soba noodles and a luxurious Japanese lunch! !: $164
- From 10-hour Customized Private Tour to Noboribetsu: $2,287
- From Private Customized Day Tour to Biei+Furano: $699
- From Private Customized Day Tour to Otaru: $655
- Full Day Tour Hokkaido Biei Green Pond and Furano Flower Sea: $141
- Half-day (4 hours) Sapporo city Tour: $184
- Hand-rolled sushi experience tour at Sapporo Nijo Market: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPyeongchang $8.79Sapporo $7.98
When comparing the travel costs between Pyeongchang and Sapporo, we can see that Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang Expensive? and Is Sapporo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pyeongchang or Sapporo?
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 Pyeongchang or Sapporo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pyeongchang and Sapporo. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Pyeongchang is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Pyeongchang average around 24°C (76°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
Pyeongchang usually receives less sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Pyeongchang gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.
Pyeongchang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pyeongchang usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Pyeongchang gets 217 mm (8.5 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 JulyPyeongchang 24°C (76°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Sapporo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pyeongchang as well as Sapporo. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Pyeongchang is a little warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pyeongchang averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Pyeongchang often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Pyeongchang gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Pyeongchang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pyeongchang usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sapporo. Pyeongchang gets 112 mm (4.4 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 OctoberPyeongchang 15°C (60°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Sapporo in the Winter?
Both Sapporo and Pyeongchang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sapporo can be very cold during winter. Pyeongchang can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Pyeongchang is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pyeongchang in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).
Pyeongchang usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Pyeongchang gets 190 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, Pyeongchang usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Pyeongchang gets 58 mm (2.3 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 JanuaryPyeongchang 0°C (33°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Sapporo in the Spring?
Both Sapporo and Pyeongchang during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city.
In April, Pyeongchang is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Pyeongchang average around 12°C (54°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Pyeongchang. In the spring, Pyeongchang often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Pyeongchang gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.
Pyeongchang usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Pyeongchang gets 77 mm (3 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 AprilPyeongchang 12°C (54°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Pyeongchang
| Pyeongchang | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (33°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (35°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (60°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 39 mm (1.5 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.