Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xiamen or Sendai?
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 Sendai 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
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 from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $64Sendai $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $105. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $30Sendai $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $60Sendai $118
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Sendai? 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: Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $5.98Sendai $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- 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 Village: $115
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $26Sendai $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Sendai $18
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $71
- Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Sendai?
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai in the Summer?
Both Sendai and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In July, Xiamen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sendai. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Sendai in the Autumn?
Both Sendai and Xiamen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
Xiamen is much warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Sendai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Sendai. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. In the winter, Xiamen is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).
In January, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Sendai. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Sendai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Sendai. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Xiamen usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.