Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko?
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 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: Xigatse or Nikko?
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.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Xigatse Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $80Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $80, 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 Xigatse and Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $28Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $56Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse 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.Xigatse $13Nikko -
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $41Nikko $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Nikko $22
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: $405
- 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　: $103
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $385
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $268
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $72
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $268
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $206
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $265
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.20Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 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 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Nikko?
Xigatse has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse 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.
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.