A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tianjin vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tianjin or Kanazawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tianjin or Kanazawa? 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: Tianjin or Kanazawa?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Tianjin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $103. 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 Tianjin and Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $34
    Kanazawa $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $68
    Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Kanazawa? 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.

Hotels in Tianjin


Hotels in Kanazawa


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tianjin $36
    Kanazawa $9.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Airport: $280
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
  • One Way Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing with Guide: $216
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Tianjin Hotels to Mutianyu Great Wall: $212
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin International Airport to Beijing Downtown: $208
  • Private One Way Tianjin Port Transfer to Beijing including Great Wall Sightseeing: $198
  • Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
  • Tianjin Port Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $192
  • Private Tianjin Port Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $178
  • Private Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall from Tianjin City: $178
  • Private Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Great Wall of China with Beijing Drop-Off: $168
  • Private PEK Airport Departure Transfer from Tianjin with Bullet Train Experience: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308
  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa and Tianjin 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 day
    Tianjin $20
    Kanazawa $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Kanazawa $9.74

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
  • 4-Hour Private Tianjin Walking Tour with Dim Sum: $168
  • 4-Hour Shore Excursion: Tianjin City Highlights and Binhai Bullet Train Experience: $259
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Highlight Tour with Peking Duck Experience: $240
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Porcelain House with Bullet Train Experience: $240
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
  • All-inclusive Tianjin Day Tour to Qing Emperor's Tomb & Huangyaguan Great Wall : $278
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
  • From Tianjin Xingang Port: Private 2-Day Beijing Tour: $550
  • Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $78
  • 1 Day Tour from Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen: $223
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $165
  • 4 Hour Unique Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Sakura Private Experience: $218
  • Afternoon Round Trip Tour from Kanazawa: $87
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of KANAZAWA Main & KENROKUEN: $82
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of Kanazawa Main and Ninja Temple: $78
  • Full-Day Tour from Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha: $148
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $56
  • Hidden Gems Of Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $102
  • Kanazawa ⇒ Takayama (one way) Including Shirakawago (Private Tour): $266
  • Kanazawa Custom Full Day Tour: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Kanazawa $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Tianjin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tianjin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tianjin 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa than you might in Tianjin.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Kanazawa?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Kanazawa, 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 Tianjin or Kanazawa?

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 Tianjin or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences.

Tianjin is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Tianjin. In July, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Tianjin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tianjin is cooler than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tianjin in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the autumn, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Kanazawa. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. Tianjin can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Tianjin is generally much colder than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around -3°C (27°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Kanazawa.

Tianjin is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the spring, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Tianjin

Tianjin Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)


Related Articles for Tianjin
Related Articles for Kanazawa