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

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Sendai?

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 Sendai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Sendai?

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.

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Zhengzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Zhengzhou Prices
    China Prices
    Sendai Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhengzhou $65
    Sendai $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $133. 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 Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $21
    Sendai $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $42
    Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Sendai? 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 Sendai


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: Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhengzhou $14
    Sendai $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

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

  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $36
    Sendai $58

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 Sendai

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

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
  • Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $5.03
    Sendai $19

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 Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
  • All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
  • Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
  • Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
  • Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • 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 Sendai

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

  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $4.04
    Sendai $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai than you might in Zhengzhou.

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


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Sendai?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Sendai, 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 Sendai?

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 Sendai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Sendai. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Sendai. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. In October, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Sendai. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Zhengzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sendai can be very cold during winter. Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Zhengzhou is cooler than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Zhengzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Sendai. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Zhengzhou is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai during spring. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Sendai. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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