Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xiamen or Matsue?
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 Matsue 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 Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $64Matsue $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $30Matsue $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $60Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Matsue? 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: Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $5.98Matsue $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
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Food Meals for one dayXiamen $26Matsue $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Matsue $8.81
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
- Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Private Xiamen Sea Food Market & Zhongshan Road Shopping and Eating Experience: $107
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Matsue $6.85
When comparing the travel costs between Xiamen and Matsue, we can see that Matsue is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Matsue?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Xiamen or Matsue in the Summer?
Both Matsue and Xiamen during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
In July, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Matsue in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Matsue. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Xiamen is a little warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Matsue. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Matsue in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Matsue. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Xiamen is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Xiamen usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Matsue in the Spring?
Both Matsue and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In April, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Matsue. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.