Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Tianjin Prices
China PricesTokyo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $92Tokyo $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $35Tokyo $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $70Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Tokyo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $37Tokyo $18
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 Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $805
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Hakone: $426
- Shuttle Van Tour Tokyo for 4 Hours or 6 Hours+Transfer Time: $368
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
- Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $296
- Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND by Sedan Car: $291
- Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $289
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $286
- Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan Car: $274
- Private Departure Transfer : Tokyo Disney Resort to Narita International Airport: $272
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $271
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $36Tokyo $67
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.41
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
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Meal at Airport$7.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tsukiji Food Tour Explore Markets and Temples in Tokyo: $18
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $34
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $34
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $34
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $44
- Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $51
- Tokyo private hidden food tour: $55
- Mastering the Grill A Ninja Yakiniku A5 Wagyu Dinner in Nippori : $56
- Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Tokyo $71
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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- 4 Hours Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $102
- Knife Sharpening Experience in Tokyo : $23
- Kyu-Yasuda, Kiyosumi and Hama-Rikyu Tokyo Garden Tour: $159
- Manga Artist Experience with Professional Guidance in Tokyo: $114
- Mount Fuji and Iconic Scenic Spots Day Tour : $99
- Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
- Pick the Hours That Suit You In A Flexible Tokyo Guided Tour: $70
- Private Walking Tour Tokyo's Fukagawa Edo Museum: $102
- Shibuya Tokyo Private Photo Tour Activity: $277
- Shinjuku Mini Ramen Tour: Shoyu, Tonkotsu & Miso: $98
- Tokyo Skytree Private Walking Tour Experience With cafe inside: $184
- Akihabara Otaku Tour - 1.5h Guided Shopping: $94
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Tokyo $34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $34
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $38
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $114
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $116
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $132
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $142
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
- From Tokyo：Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $201
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tianjin. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in the Summer?
Both Tokyo and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In July, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 27°C (80°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during summer. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Tianjin. In July, Tianjin usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo and Tianjin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tianjin is cooler than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the autumn, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Tokyo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Tokyo. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. In the winter, Tianjin is much colder than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tianjin in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).
In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Tokyo. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 14°C (58°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°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 Tokyo. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.