Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Tanah Rata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tanah Rata or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Osaka? 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $137Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $137, while the average daily cost in Osaka 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $67Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $134Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $29Osaka $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
- Airport Transfer! Osaka Airport (ITM) to Center of hotel in Osaka: $150
- Arrival Private Transfer from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City by Minivan: $75
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $199
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $215
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Osaka: $87
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer ⇋ Osaka: $158
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $177
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $208
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
- Kansai Airport (KIX) - Osaka City Private One-way Transfer: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $44Osaka $25
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$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $34Osaka $20
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$5.66
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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 City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
- Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
- Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
- Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
- Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
- Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
- Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $19Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Osaka, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Osaka.
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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Osaka. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Osaka in the summer. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Osaka. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Osaka in the Autumn?
Both Osaka and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Osaka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tanah Rata in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Osaka averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Osaka. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Tanah Rata during the winter 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 winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (80°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Osaka. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Osaka in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
Tanah Rata is much warmer than Osaka in the spring. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Osaka. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 8°C (47°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.