Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yangshuo or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Osaka can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Osaka?
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
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 The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Yangshuo and Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $42Osaka $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Kansai Int Airport (KIX): Transfer to Osaka hotels: $339
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Itami Airport (ITM): $275
- Osaka Kansai Airport to Arima-Onsen Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $266
- KIX-OSAKA or OSAKA-KIX Airport Transfers (Max 9 Pax): $258
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Kinosakicho Yushima - Arrival Transfer: $242
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Osaka City: Private One-Way Transfers to/from Arima Onsen: $219
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $215
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $208
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka and Yangshuo 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 dayYangshuo $19Osaka $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Yangshuo Cooking Class with Yangshuo Town Shopping: $138
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $42
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $48
- Home Cooking Class: $50
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $58
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Osaka $20
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $149
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- 1-Day Longji Rice Terraces hiking tour from Guilin/Yangshuo hotel: $188
- 1-Day Tour: Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat and Ruyi Peak Cable Car: $149
- 2 Day - Longji Rice Terraces - Sunrise Hiking Tour: $280
- Full-Day Li-River Tour from Yangshuo to Yangdi With the English Speaking Driver: $159
- Full-day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages: $146
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Private Tour: $136
- Guilin Highlight Sightseeing Private Day City Tour: $139
- Guilin Tea plantation and Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Guilin Yangshuo Day tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Bullet Train: $212
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)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $134
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $178
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $116
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $137
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,579
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
- 3-Hour Osaka Local food Hopping tour in Namba: $39
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $116
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,370
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $71
- 5 Hour Osaka Castle Tsutenkaku and Dotonbori Guided Tour: $71
- 6 Hours Private Foodie Tour from Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market: $155
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Pub Bar Crawl Enjoy Unique Japanese Drinks with Local: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
- 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo 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.
When is the best time to visit Yangshuo or Osaka?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Yangshuo or Osaka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yangshuo in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Osaka. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Osaka. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 23°C (73°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Yangshuo is much warmer than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In January, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Osaka. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Yangshuo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yangshuo in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in April than Osaka. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
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.