Which place is cheaper, Nara or Xigatse?
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 Xigatse or Nara?
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 Nara 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Xigatse Prices
China PricesNara Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $84Nara $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $84, while the average daily cost in Nara 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 Xigatse and Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $30Nara $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $60Nara $100
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Nara? 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: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xigatse $13Nara $5.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- City-to-City Transfer, from Nara to Each City in Kansai: $201
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private Transfer To/From Nara City Hotels: $172
- Nara/Kobe ⇆ Osaka or Kansai Airport (KIX) Private Transfer: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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
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Food Meals for one dayXigatse $44Nara $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Authentic Onigiri Cooking Class & Meal in a Local Home: $50
- Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Nara $7.51
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- 2-day Kansai world ExTour I tour around Osaka,Kyoto,Nara,andUji: $204
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $41
- Best of Nara in Full Day Todaiji, Deer Park &Buddha Private Tour: $288
- Book for 4 or more! “Sushi Experience Course” in Nara: $42
- Fushimi Inari and Nara Private and Guided Tour in Spanish: $209
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $134
- Hand Made Udon Noodle Experience Class in Nara: $49
- Hot! Tempura Rice Bowl Making Experience in Nara: $112
- If it's a matter of fact, it's a matter of doing Project Fauci's sumi culture experience.: $29
- Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour: $221
- Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $97
- Nara - Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour: $96
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.38Nara $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Nara
Also in Nara, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Nara Afternoon Sake Brewery Tour (Tastings Included): $108
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Nara?
Nara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Nara, 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.
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.