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

Should you visit Tianjin or Sapporo?

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

Should I visit Tianjin or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Tianjin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tianjin Prices
    China Prices
    Sapporo Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tianjin $92
    Sapporo $132

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $35
    Sapporo $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $70
    Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo


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: Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tianjin $37
    Sapporo $16

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 Hotels : $225
  • 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
  • Private Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall from Tianjin City: $178
  • Private Tianjin Port Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $178
  • Private PEK Airport Departure Transfer from Tianjin with Bullet Train Experience: $168
  • Private Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Great Wall of China with Beijing Drop-Off: $168
  • Private Tianjin Port Transfer: Between Beijing to Tianjin Port: $160
  • Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
  • Private One Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port and Beijing: $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo

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

  • New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
  • Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
  • Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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
    Sapporo $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo

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

  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
  • Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
  • Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
  • Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Sapporo $17

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

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

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

  • Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
  • 1 Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $281
  • 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $254
  • 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $174
  • 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
  • 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $286
  • Authentic Japanese Home Dining Experience in Sapporo with Noriko: $88
  • Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
  • Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $174
  • Calligraphy Experience Set 60 minute plan: $69
  • Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Sapporo $8.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:

  • Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
  • 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178


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


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Sapporo?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tianjin is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 27°C (80°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tianjin. In July, Tianjin usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Tianjin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Tianjin is a little warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the autumn, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Sapporo. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. The weather in Tianjin can be very cold. In the winter, Tianjin is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tianjin in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).

In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Sapporo. Additionally, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.

In April, Tianjin is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 14°C (58°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°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 Sapporo. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Tianjin

Tianjin Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)