A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhengzhou vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Kanazawa?

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 Zhengzhou and Kanazawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Kanazawa?

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Zhengzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $103. 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 Zhengzhou and Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $36
    Kanazawa $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $72
    Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Kanazawa? 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 Zhengzhou


Hotels in Kanazawa


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhengzhou $63
    Kanazawa $9.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

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

  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247
  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa and Zhengzhou 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
    Zhengzhou $28
    Kanazawa $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

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

  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.18
    Kanazawa $9.74

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
  • Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

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

  • Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Monochrome Plan: $13
  • Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Moon Plan: $13
  • Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Color Plan: $19
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $25
  • Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience: $30
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
  • Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $56
  • [Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour: $66
  • [One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - Two World Heritage Villages Enjoyable Bus Tour: $76
  • “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.31
    Kanazawa $12


When comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Kanazawa?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Kanazawa, 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 Zhengzhou or Kanazawa?

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 Zhengzhou or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Zhengzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the summer, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Kanazawa. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhengzhou in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Kanazawa. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kanazawa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zhengzhou. In January, Zhengzhou is generally much colder than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 1°C (34°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)


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