Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tokyo or Shenyang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Shenyang? 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: Tokyo or Shenyang?
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.
Shenyang
Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
-
Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesShenyang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $190Shenyang $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $190, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $85. 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 Tokyo and Shenyang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $79Shenyang $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $158Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Shenyang
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Shenyang? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $18Shenyang $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 【Haneda Airport】Luxury Private Transfer : $89
- Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $231
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
- Private Transfers to/from Narita Airport(NRT): $79
- Private Transfer to/from Haneda Airport 7 Seater: $124
- Private Transfer from/to Yokohama Port: $191
- Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Yokohama Port: $67
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Hakone or Mt.Fuji: $156
- Private Customize Day Tour With Hotel Transfer: $200
- One-Way Private Transfer from Haneda Airport: $149
- Hotel Transfer to/from Disneyland or DisneySea: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Shenyang?
Prices for flights to both Shenyang and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $67Shenyang $32
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.41
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $71Shenyang $7.81
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
Tours and Activities in Shenyang
For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $34Shenyang $5.91
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
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 Tokyo and Shenyang, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Shenyang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Shenyang?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Shenyang. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Shenyang, 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 Tokyo or Shenyang?
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 Tokyo or Shenyang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Shenyang. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shenyang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Shenyang. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Shenyang 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Shenyang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Shenyang. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
Tokyo is much warmer than Shenyang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Shenyang. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Shenyang 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Shenyang in the Winter?
Both Shenyang and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Shenyang can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tokyo is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Shenyang averages at about -11°C (13°F).
Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Shenyang -11°C (13°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Shenyang in the Spring?
Both Shenyang and Tokyo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Shenyang. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Shenyang 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Shenyang and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Shenyang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.