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

Should you visit Tianjin or Nara?

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

Should I visit Tianjin 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: Tianjin or Nara?

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.

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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara 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 Nara is $85. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $34
    Nara $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $68
    Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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.

Hotels in Tianjin


Hotels in Nara


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: Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tianjin $36
    Nara $5.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

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

  • Tianjin Airport Chauffeur Service, Tianjin Airport Transfer: $13
  • Tianjin Airport Chauffeur Service, Tianjin Airport Transfer: $18
  • Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Any Tianjin Railway Station to City Hotel: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Bejing City Hotel to Airport: $32
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin Port to Tianjin Binhai Airport TSN: $33
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin Binhai Airport TSN to Tianjin Port: $33
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin Binhai Airport to Tianjin Port: $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
  • Tianjin Airport (TSN) to Tianjin RoundTrip Private Transfer: $50
  • Tianjin Port Private transfers to Tianjin train station: $50
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin City Hotels to Tianjin Cruise Port: $52

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 Tianjin or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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
    Nara $28

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.
    Tianjin $10
    Nara $7.81

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

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

  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $151
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Hotel With the English Speaking Driver: $160
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • 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 Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • 1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick: $166
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Palace, Deer and Inkstick: $147
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
  • EBike Eco Chic Tour Explore 1300 Year Old Primeval Forest: $88
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
  • Experience Authentic Sushi making in Nara: $115
  • Guided Tour of Todai ji and Nara Park: $83
  • Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour : Nara Imperial Palace: $95
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $95
  • Immersive Experience Tour in Totsukawa village: $3,202
  • Katsuragi: Unique Sumo Experience: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Nara $11


When comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Nara, we can see that Nara is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Nara?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Nara?

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 Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Tianjin during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the summer, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Nara. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nara. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Nara. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Nara. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Nara. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Nara 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Nara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Nara. 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. Tianjin is much colder than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the winter, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Nara. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Nara. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Tianjin

Tianjin Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)