Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tianjin or Sendai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Sendai? 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $76Sendai $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $105. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $34Sendai $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $68Sendai $118
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Sendai? 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: Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $36Sendai $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tianjin Private Transfer from Tianjin central to Tianjin Binhai Airport (TSN): $116
- Tianjin Private Transfer from Railway Station to Cruise Port: $80
- Tianjin Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Pass and Eastern Qing Tombs: $132
- Tianjin Port Private transfers to Tianjin train station: $50
- Tianjin Port Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $192
- Tianjin International Cruise Port Private Transfer from City Hotels: $80
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Hotels in Beijing Downtown Shared Transfer: $66
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Tianjin Airport Chauffeur Service, Tianjin Airport Transfer: $13
- Tianjin Airport Chauffeur Service, Tianjin Airport Transfer: $18
- Tianjin Airport (TSN) to Tianjin RoundTrip Private Transfer: $50
- Private Transfer: Tianjin Xingang International Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotel: $88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $20Sendai $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Sendai $18
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
- From Tianjin Xingang Port: Private 2-Day Beijing Tour: $550
- Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
- Mutianyu Great Wall Trip with English Speaking Driver from Tianjin Cruise Port: $261
- One Day Huangyaguan Great Wall And Qing Tomb Tour Of Beijing: $260
- Private Beijing Custom Day Tour from Tianjin City by Bullet Train: $278
- Private Beijing Shopping Tour with Bullet Train Experience from Tianjin: $269
- Private Great Wall Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $248
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
Tours and Activities in Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $71
- Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Sendai?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Sendai. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Tianjin is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Sendai 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 Sendai. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Sendai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Sendai. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Sendai. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°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 Sendai. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sendai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Sendai can be very cold. Tianjin can be very cold during winter. Tianjin is much colder than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Sendai. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Sendai in the Spring?
Both Sendai and Tianjin during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
In the spring, Tianjin is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the spring, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.
Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 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.