A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Xigatse vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xigatse or Nagano?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xigatse and Nagano 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: Xigatse or Nagano?

Xigatse

The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Xigatse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $61, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Xigatse and Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xigatse $28
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xigatse $56
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Nagano? 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 Xigatse


Hotels in Nagano


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: Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xigatse $12
    Nagano $9.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano and Xigatse 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
    Xigatse $24
    Nagano $22

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xigatse $14
    Nagano $8.16

Tours and Activities in Nagano

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

  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xigatse $3.15
    Nagano -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Nagano?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Nagano, 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.

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