Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Seoul?
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 Seoul or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
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 Seoul and Suzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Seoul or Suzhou?
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Seoul Prices
South Korea PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $128Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $128, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Seoul and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $54Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $108Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Suzhou? 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: Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $15Suzhou $58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.58
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Short Taxi Ride$5.01
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Metro Ride$0.97
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $55
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $60
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Private Transfer from Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul hotels: $80
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Private Airport Transfer Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) to Seoul City: $83
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Gimpo Airport Transfer to/from Seoul(1~7pax): $94
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou and Seoul 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 daySeoul $51Suzhou $57
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.43
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
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Chicken Stick$1.43
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
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Lunch Buffet$4.30
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.72
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
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Udon & Sushi$5.01
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Fresh Burger$3.44
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
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Fried Rice$3.94
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
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Donut$1.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $52
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $58
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $26Suzhou $9.47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.73
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Movie Ticket$5.73
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Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour : $3.58
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Korean Society and Local Mindset Gwanghwamun Tour: $8.00
- [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
- Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $11
- Gwanghwamun Tour about Korean Society and Local Mindset: $11
- SPAREX Jjimjilbang Sauna Dongmyo branch Admission Ticket(내국인불가): $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong(내국인불가): $12
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
- Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
- Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
- Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
- Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $21
- Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $12Suzhou $6.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $29
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $47
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $79
When comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Suzhou, we can see that Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Suzhou?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Suzhou, 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.
When is the best time to visit Seoul or Suzhou?
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 Seoul or Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Suzhou. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Seoul. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySeoul 26°C (78°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou and Seoul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Seoul is cooler than Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Suzhou. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSeoul 15°C (59°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Suzhou. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Suzhou can be very cold. Seoul can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySeoul -3°C (27°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Suzhou. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.
In April, Seoul is generally cooler than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Seoul usually gets less rain in April than Suzhou. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSeoul 13°C (55°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Seoul
| Seoul | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.