Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou and Sendai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Sendai?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Guangzhou Prices
China PricesSendai Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $104Sendai $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, 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 Guangzhou and Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $58Sendai $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $116Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Sendai $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou HTL-APT (CAN): $62
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62
- Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $33
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $176
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $194
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90
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 Guangzhou or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai and Guangzhou 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 dayGuangzhou $34Sendai $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Sendai $19
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
- 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
- 1-Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private City Tour: $185
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
- 4-Hour Flexible Private Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Options: $153
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
- 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
- 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience : $118
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Sendai?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou or Sendai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Sendai. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Guangzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Sendai in the Autumn?
Both Sendai and Guangzhou 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, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Guangzhou gets 192 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, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Sendai. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai and Guangzhou 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. Guangzhou is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
In the winter, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sendai. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Sendai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Sendai. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).
Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during spring. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.
Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Sendai. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 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.