Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie or Osaka?
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 Osaka. 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 Osaka?
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.
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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Osaka $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $110. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Osaka $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie 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.Zhangjiajie $15Osaka $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $322
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $282
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $259
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $258
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $244
- Private Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $238
- Private Transfer Between Kyoto and Kansai Airport KIX: $234
- Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $227
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $222
- Universal Studios Japan Round Trip Shared Transfer with ticket: $219
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhangjiajie $36Osaka $45
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Osaka $21
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
- 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
- (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 Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
- 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $239
- 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
- 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195
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)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 6 Hours Osaka Tour with National Licensed Guide: $250
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Temple Nara Park Tour from Osaka and Kyoto: $100
- Explore Osaka with Wine Class and Tasting Experience: $110
- Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets Bus Tour Experience: $103
- Miyama Kayabuki no Sato 1 Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: $241
- Nara Deer Park,Uji Matcha and Hot Spring Full-Day Tour: $52
- 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $74
- 150min Full Body and Oil Massage with Japanese Healing Experience: $164
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $34
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable : $165
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $124
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 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 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie or Osaka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Osaka. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Osaka 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 Osaka. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 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 JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Osaka. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 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 OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives around the same amount of rain as Osaka. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 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 JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Zhangjiajie during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Osaka for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°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 Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Osaka. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 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 AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.