Which place is cheaper, Nara or Tanah Rata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tanah Rata or Nara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Nara? 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $137Nara $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $137, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $67Nara $52
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $134Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Nara? 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 Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $29Nara $5.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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
-
Food Meals for one dayTanah Rata $44Nara $28
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
-
Dinner for Two$5.66
-
Dessert$0.63
-
Lunch$3.98
-
Afternoon tea$3.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $34Nara $7.81
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:
-
Tea Factory Visit$5.66
-
Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight 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
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $19Nara $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Nara, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Nara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nara 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 Nara.
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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Nara?
Nara has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Nara, 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 Nara?
Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Nara. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Nara. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tanah Rata is much warmer than Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Nara. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Nara. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nara can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Nara. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Tanah Rata during the spring 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, most visitors come to Nara for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Nara 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 April than Nara. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.