A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Xiamen vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xiamen or Kanazawa?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xiamen and Kanazawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Xiamen or Kanazawa?

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Xiamen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $103. 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 Xiamen and Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xiamen $30
    Kanazawa $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xiamen $60
    Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Kanazawa? 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 Xiamen


Hotels in Kanazawa


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xiamen $5.98
    Kanazawa $9.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

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

  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
  • Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
  • Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
  • Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

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

  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308
  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247

Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa and Xiamen 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
    Xiamen $26
    Kanazawa $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

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

  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xiamen $16
    Kanazawa $9.74

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
  • Xiamen Private One Day Tailor Made Tour with Gulangyu and City Highlights : $176
  • 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
  • Dongshan Island Highlights Full-Day Private Tour: $232
  • Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
  • Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

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

  • “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $78
  • 1 Day Tour from Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen: $223
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $165
  • 4 Hour Unique Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Sakura Private Experience: $218
  • Afternoon Round Trip Tour from Kanazawa: $87
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of KANAZAWA Main & KENROKUEN: $82
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of Kanazawa Main and Ninja Temple: $78
  • Full-Day Tour from Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha: $148
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $56
  • Hidden Gems Of Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $102
  • Kanazawa ⇒ Takayama (one way) Including Shirakawago (Private Tour): $266
  • Kanazawa Custom Full Day Tour: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xiamen $17
    Kanazawa $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa than you might in Xiamen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Kanazawa?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Kanazawa, 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 Xiamen or Kanazawa?

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 Xiamen or Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Kanazawa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Xiamen is a little warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Xiamen in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Kanazawa. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

In October, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 25°C (77°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. Xiamen is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In January, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Xiamen during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Xiamen is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Xiamen in April average around 20°C (69°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kanazawa. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Xiamen

Xiamen Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)