Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata or Matsue?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Matsue? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tanah Rata or Matsue?
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesMatsue Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Matsue $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Tanah Rata and Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Matsue $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Matsue? 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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Matsue $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue and Tanah Rata 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 dayTanah Rata $87Matsue $49
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Matsue $9.13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
- Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $104
- Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Matsue $7.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Matsue, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata than you might in Matsue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Matsue?
Matsue has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Matsue, 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 Tanah Rata or Matsue?
Matsue has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Matsue in the Summer?
Both Matsue and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Matsue. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Matsue. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Matsue in the Autumn?
Both Matsue and Tanah Rata during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Matsue because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Tanah Rata is much warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Matsue. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Matsue in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
It's quite cold in Matsue in the winter. In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Matsue. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Matsue in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Matsue. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the natural beauty.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Matsue. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.