Which place is cheaper, Osaka 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 Osaka?
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 Osaka 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Xigatse Prices
China PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $84Osaka $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $84, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $101. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $30Osaka $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $60Osaka $88
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Osaka? 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: Xigatse Hotel Prices and Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xigatse $13Osaka $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)to Arima-Onsen Resorts-Arrival Transfer: $291
- Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Kyoto - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $269
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $256
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $253
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $251
- Private Transfer from Osaka to Wakayama,Shirahama&Kushimoto Area: $250
- Private Transfer from Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX: $248
- Osaka Port Cruise Terminal Private Transfer to or from Kyoto city: $239
- Private Transfer Between Kobe Port and Osaka Hotels: $238
- Private Transfer Between Kobe Cruise Port and Shin-Osaka Station: $238
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $236
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private Transfer To/From Kyoto City Hotels: $230
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $44Osaka $41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka Cooking Class 17 Tastes Takoyaki Making: $21
- Osaka Umeda: PICCADILLY DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $31
- Welcome to Osaka Matrix and Local food tour with Ninja Guide: $36
- Japanese Breakfast Cooking in Osaka: $37
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon: $37
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $41
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $41
- (1 Group Only) Osaka Dotonbori Food Tour Wagyu & Ramen Takoyaki: $44
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $47
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $47
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $47
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Osaka $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$28
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $48
- 1-Day Kimono/Yukata Experience in Osaka – Enjoy Day & Night: $34
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Osaka - Chartered Tour: $174
- 2 Hours Private Guided Walking Tour in Osaka: $25
- 2-Day Bus Tour to Shirakawago & Hida No Sato Winter Illumination: $218
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $31
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable: $200
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $112
- 30-Minute Osaka Micro Pig Interaction Experience at Buta Goya: $16
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $68
- 4/5/6 Hours Private Osaka Tour Designed for Cruise Passengers: $150
- 5 Hours Tour with Private Vehicle in Osaka: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.37Osaka $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Off The Beaten Path Osaka Local Bar Crawl: $15
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $22
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $34
- Osaka Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting: $40
- 3Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Bar Hopping Nightlife Guided Tour in Namba: $46
- Osaka Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Vineyard Walk: $81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Osaka, 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.