Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Pyeongchang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pyeongchang or Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pyeongchang or Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPyeongchang $114Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Pyeongchang is $114, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPyeongchang $62Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPyeongchang $124Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Pyeongchang and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Pyeongchang or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pyeongchang $25Tokyo $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Private airport transfer]Haneda Airport (HND)⇔Tokyo City: $150
- Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $152
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $328
- Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $90
- Transfer in private minivan from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $110
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Tokyo Narita Airport to City Center: $110
- Tokyo:Haneda Airport (HND) Private One-Way Transfer to Tokyo: $125
- Private transfer to/from Yokohama Osanbashi Port: $189
- Private Transfer from/to Tokyo Narita Airport: $226
- Private Transfer from/to Tokyo Haneda Airport: $136
- Private Transfer from Haneda Airport for Arrivals: $75
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Haneda Airport: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Pyeongchang or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $27Tokyo $37
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pyeongchang $51Tokyo $68
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $97
- Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
- “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $133
- "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $134
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $88
- 1 Day Tokyo Charter Private Tour with English & Hindi Driver: $347
- 1 Day Tokyo Private Charter Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $484
- 1 Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Private Wagon: $474
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa Traditional Tokyo and Nature: $143
- 1 Day private Tour in Hakone with Hakone Freepass & Train Ticket: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPyeongchang $8.79Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pyeongchang and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Pyeongchang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pyeongchang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pyeongchang 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Pyeongchang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pyeongchang Expensive? and Is Tokyo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pyeongchang or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pyeongchang and Tokyo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Pyeongchang is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Pyeongchang average around 24°C (76°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Pyeongchang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tokyo during summer. Pyeongchang gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pyeongchang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pyeongchang usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Pyeongchang gets 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPyeongchang 24°C (76°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Tokyo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pyeongchang as well as Tokyo. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Pyeongchang is cooler than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pyeongchang averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Pyeongchang often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Pyeongchang gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Pyeongchang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pyeongchang usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Pyeongchang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPyeongchang 15°C (60°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo and Pyeongchang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
The weather in Pyeongchang can be very cold. In the winter, Pyeongchang is much colder than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pyeongchang in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).
Pyeongchang usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Pyeongchang gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Pyeongchang usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Pyeongchang gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPyeongchang 0°C (33°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Pyeongchang or Tokyo in the Spring?
Both Tokyo and Pyeongchang during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Pyeongchang is generally cooler than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Pyeongchang average around 12°C (54°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Pyeongchang. In the spring, Pyeongchang often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Pyeongchang gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pyeongchang usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Pyeongchang gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPyeongchang 12°C (54°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Pyeongchang
| Pyeongchang | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (33°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (35°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (60°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.