A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangjiajie vs. Nagoya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya. 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 Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagoya or Zhangjiajie?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $63, while the average daily cost in Nagoya is $89. 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 Nagoya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Nagoya $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Nagoya $92
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Nagoya

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Nagoya? 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 Zhangjiajie


Hotels in Nagoya


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: Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $14
    Nagoya $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Aizhai bridge area: $187
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya

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

  • Chubu Airport (NGO): Private Transfer to/from Naign Shrine: $768
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $441
  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $283
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $276
  • Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $187
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Nagoya Private Transfer: $157
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $144
  • Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $136
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya city hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port : $131
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $94
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Nagoya?

Prices for flights to both Nagoya 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 day
    Zhangjiajie $20
    Nagoya $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184
  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

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

  • Grandma’s Traditional Cooking Class: $65
  • Nagoya Special Food Tour: $66
  • Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home: $92
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Nagoya $13

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Half-Day Self-Guided Fenghuang Night Tour from Zhangjiajie: $200
  • (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
  • 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR!: $272
  • 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Jiutian Cave and Visit Marshal Helong Memorial: $179
  • 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
  • 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
  • 1-Day Fenghuang Tour from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) by Round-way Bullet Train: $240
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Avatar World Nature Hiking Private Tour: $179
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon(Glass Bridge) & Baofeng Lake Tour: $240
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
  • 1-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Tour: $132

Tours and Activities in Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Day Tour with Ghibli Park Admission Ticket Round Trip from Nagoya: $174
  • Experience Japanese calligraphy & tea ceremony at a traditional house in Nagoya: $109
  • Explore Holy Mt Horaiji Private Tour: $207
  • Explore-Castles Tour in Samurai City Aichi Using Local Train: $233
  • From Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $60
  • From Ise Grand Shrine Day Tour: $60
  • Full-Day Kisoji Nakasendo Trail Tour from Nagoya: $226
  • Ghibli Park Ticket and Accommodation 2 Days Package (No Guide): $179
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Nagoya Castle & Tokugawa Museum and Garden: $142
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Nagoya Castle & Toyota Commemorative Museum: $118
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Noritake Garden & Toyota Commemorative Museum: $110
  • Guided Half-day Tour(PM) to Nagoya Castle and Modern Technology at SCMAGLEV: $142

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Nagoya $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

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

  • Pub Crawl in Nagoya: $38
  • Restaurant and Bar Crawl in Nagoya Japan: $40


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


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Nagoya, 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 Zhangjiajie or Nagoya?

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 Zhangjiajie or Nagoya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Nagoya. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagoya for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Nagoya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Nagoya averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Nagoya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Nagoya. Additionally, many visitors come to Nagoya in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Nagoya. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Nagoya 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Nagoya in the Winter?

Both Nagoya and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nagoya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagoya can be very cold during winter. Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Nagoya in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagoya. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Nagoya 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Nagoya in the Spring?

Both Nagoya and Zhangjiajie during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Nagoya averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Nagoya. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Nagoya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)