Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen or Nikko?
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 Nikko 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Xiamen Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $84Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $84, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $31Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $62Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Nikko? 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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $6.08Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $46Nikko $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Nikko $22
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
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- 1 Day Nikko Wonders Tour from Tokyo: $406
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $395
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $269
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $269
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $207
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $266
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Nikko?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Nikko. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In the summer, Xiamen is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Xiamen in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Nikko 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 Nikko. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Nikko. Additionally, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 25°C (77°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. Xiamen is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Nikko. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Xiamen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Xiamen is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Xiamen in April average around 20°C (69°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets more rain in April than Nikko. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.