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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, while the average daily cost in Nara is $111. 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 $35
    Nara $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $70
    Nara $108
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 $37
    Nara $6.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

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

  • [Airport Transfer] Tianjin Airport ⇔ Tianjin City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service <Charter charter>: $13
  • Tianjin Binhai Airport(TSN) to Tianjin - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Binhai Railway Station: $32
  • Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
  • Tianjin Airport (TSN) to Tianjin RoundTrip Private Transfer: $48
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer To Tianjin Airport one way private transfer: $50
  • Private Tianjin Transfer to Xingang International Cruise Port from City Hotels: $60
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Tianjin City Hotels: $73

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 $36
    Nara $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.

  • Handmade Soba and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $49
  • Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $52
  • Nara Personalized Half Day Food Tour with a Local Guide: $160
  • Taste of Nara A Guided Half Day Food Tour Tailored to Your Taste: $160
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Nara $8.09

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

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

  • Tianjin International Cruise Home Port to Beijing Airport/City Tr: $119
  • Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
  • Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
  • 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 Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
  • Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $214
  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
  • Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224

Tours and Activities in Nara

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

  • 2-day Kansai world ExTour I tour around Osaka,Kyoto,Nara,andUji: $221
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $45
  • First Time Nara Tour UNESCO Sites with Lunch and Deer Feed: $83
  • Gripped Sumi Ink Experience at a Historic Workshop in Nara: $23
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $152
  • Japan's Oldest Shrine & Nagashi Somen Walking Tour from Nara: $166
  • Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour: $221
  • Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $74
  • Nara - Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour: $104
  • Nara - Heart of Nature Cross Bike Tour: $290
  • Nara - Highlights Bike Tour: $76
  • Nara - Private Family Bike Tour: $207

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 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)