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

Should you visit Xigatse or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Xigatse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Xigatse Prices
    China Prices
    Sapporo Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Xigatse $85
    Sapporo $124

The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $85, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $124. 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 Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xigatse $30
    Sapporo $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xigatse $60
    Sapporo $122
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo


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 Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xigatse $13
    Sapporo $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo

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

  • New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
  • Sapporo to Chitose Airport Private Transfer | Licensed Driver: $278
  • Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $263
  • Between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: Private One-Way Transfer: $227
  • New Chitose Airport(CTS) Private Transfer | Licensed Driver: $185
  • Private Transfer- Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Otaru Port: $160
  • Private Transfer - Otaru Port to Sapporo New Chitose Airport(CTS): $160
  • Private Transfer - New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Otaru Cruise Port: $160
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sapporo City→ New Chitose Airport (CTS): $150
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $109
  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 $44
    Sapporo $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo

For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Sakura: $72
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $84
  • Hokkaido: Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley) Food Tour: $95
  • Izakaya & Street Food Tour (10+ Dishes, Drinks Included): $104
  • Private Sushi Roll & Japanese Cooking Class with Chef Shiori: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xigatse $15
    Sapporo $16

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

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

  • 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $171
  • 1-Day Sapporo Historical Village and Sapporo Beer Museum Tour: $181
  • 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
  • 60minutes Odori School Calligraphy Experience: $65
  • A pairing experience in Sapporo where you can enjoy tempura and 3 kinds of Hokkaido-only sake, along with a soba-noodle making experience!: $123
  • AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium Park Entry Ticket in Hokkaido: $24
  • Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue Pond & Shirogane Falls Tour from Sapporo: $100
  • Asahiyama Zoo, Biei tree, Shirohige Falls and Blue Pond Day Tour: $106
  • Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree & Ningle Terrace Tour from Sapporo: $100
  • Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Blue Pond Illumination Tour: $67
  • Authentic Kendo Experience in Sapporo with a 6 Dan Instructor: $117

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xigatse $3.42
    Sapporo $7.74

Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:

  • Hokkaido Day Tour from Otaru to Yoichi Distillery: $90
  • Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $171
  • 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Sapporo, 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.