Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tianjin or Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $76Nanjing $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $96. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $34Nanjing $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $68Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Nanjing? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $37Nanjing $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beijing Airport Transfer from Tianjin International Cruise Port: $130
- Beijing Daxing or Capital Int’l Airport Private Departure Transfer from Tianjin : $128
- Beijing: Private Roundtrip Transfer to Great Wall of China: $66
- Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
- Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $106
- One Way Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing with Guide: $216
- Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
- Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Tianjin Railway Station to City Hotel: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Bejing City Hotel to Airport: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
- Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $163
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $114
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Nanjing Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Experience with Private Transfer: $103
- Nanjing to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $96
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing: $94
- Nanjing to Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $90
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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
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Food Meals for one dayTianjin $20Nanjing $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Nanjing $9.28
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- 4- Hour Tianjin Local Food & Tea Tour: $49
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $120
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- Tianjin Private Tour to Eastern Qing Tombs with Flexible Departure time: $237
- Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
- Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $238
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
- All-Inclusive Nanjing Purple Mountain Scenic Area Private Day Tour: $187
- All-inclusive Customized Nanjing Layover Tour: $201
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $164
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
- Flexible Suzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train: $245
- Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Nanjing $9.48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Nanjing?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Nanjing. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Tianjin or Nanjing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Nanjing.
In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nanjing. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Nanjing in the Autumn?
Both Nanjing and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Nanjing in the Winter?
Both Nanjing and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit.
Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. Tianjin is much colder than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Nanjing. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Nanjing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Nanjing.
In the spring, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.