Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zhangjiajie and Koyasan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Koyasan?
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
-
Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $95. 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 Zhangjiajie and Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Koyasan $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Koyasan? 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: Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Koyasan $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Zhangjiajie 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 dayZhangjiajie $36Koyasan $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Koyasan $14
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour: $50
- Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
- Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
- Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
- One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
- Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Koyasan $5.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan than you might in Zhangjiajie.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie or Koyasan?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koyasan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Koyasan. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in July than Koyasan. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koyasan in the Autumn?
Both Koyasan and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koyasan in the Winter?
Both Koyasan and Zhangjiajie during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
In January, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Zhangjiajie usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koyasan. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Koyasan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Koyasan. Furthermore, most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°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.