Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Sapa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sapa and Hangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Sapa is a beautiful town in the northern mountains of Vietnam by the border with China. Many travelers pass through the area on their way from China into Hanoi. Alternatively, some travelers head north from Hanoi to spend a few days in the beautiful mountains where tribal cultures are still alive and well. There are a good number of ethnic minorities that populate the area. The eight populations in the area include H'mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa, and Xa Pho, but the vast majority in the area are H'mong. Within the town of Sapa itself, there are about 7,000 people. The rest of the population lives in the surrounding countryside and are peasant farmers.
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Vietnam, The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Sapa is $36, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Sapa and Hangzhou in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Sapa or Hangzhou? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Sapa are as follows:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou and Sapa 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Sapa:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
For Sapa, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Sapa are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapa and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Sapa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sapa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapa 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 Hangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hangzhou than you might in Sapa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sapa Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sapa. When comparing the sizes of Sapa and Hangzhou, 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.