Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tianjin or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin 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: Tianjin or Osaka?
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.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Tianjin Prices
China PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $92Osaka $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $110. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $35Osaka $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $70Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $37Osaka $14
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 Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
- Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
- Tianjin Private Transfer from Railway Station to Cruise Port: $80
- Tianjin Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Railway Station: $80
- Tianjin Private Round-Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $112
- Tianjin Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Pass and Eastern Qing Tombs: $132
- Tianjin International Cruise Port Private Transfer to City Hotels : $80
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Hotels in Beijing Downtown Shared Transfer: $95
- Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer To Tianjin Airport one way private transfer: $50
- Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Binhai Railway Station: $32
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $282
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $259
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $258
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $244
- Private Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $238
- Private Transfer Between Kyoto and Kansai Airport KIX: $234
- Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $227
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $222
- Universal Studios Japan Round Trip Shared Transfer with ticket: $219
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $36Osaka $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Osaka $21
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- Private Tour to Uncover Tianjin’s Must-Visit Bucket-List Spots : $248
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
- 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
- From Beijing: Tianjin Highlights Day Tour by High-Speed Rail: $289
- Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
- Private Great Wall Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $248
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
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)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 6 Hours Osaka Tour with National Licensed Guide: $250
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Temple Nara Park Tour from Osaka and Kyoto: $100
- Explore Osaka with Wine Class and Tasting Experience: $110
- Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets Bus Tour Experience: $103
- Miyama Kayabuki no Sato 1 Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: $241
- Nara Deer Park,Uji Matcha and Hot Spring Full-Day Tour: $52
- 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $74
- 150min Full Body and Oil Massage with Japanese Healing Experience: $164
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $34
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable : $165
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $124
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Osaka?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Osaka?
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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Osaka. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 27°C (80°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during summer. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tianjin usually receives more rain than Osaka. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Osaka. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Tianjin is cooler than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the autumn, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Tianjin can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tianjin is much colder than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tianjin in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Osaka. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Tianjin during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In April, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 14°C (58°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the spring, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Osaka | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.