A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guilin vs. Okinawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guilin or Okinawa?

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 Guilin and Okinawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Okinawa?

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa or Guilin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Guilin and Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Okinawa? 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 Guilin


Hotels in Okinawa


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.85
    Okinawa $9.66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Downtown Hotel: $17
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
  • [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
  • Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
  • Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
  • Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa and Guilin 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
    Guilin $39
    Okinawa $41
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

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

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa

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

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Okinawa $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

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

  • City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $46
  • Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
  • 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill : $55
  • GUILIN:kayaking adventure with local guide: $60
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $60
  • Guilin English tour guide service : $62
  • Private Day Tour: Longji Terraces Cultural Villages and Hike : $69
  • Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
  • Private day tour :Guilin-LiRiver bamboo boat-Yangshuo Highlights : $70
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70

Tours and Activities in Okinawa

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:

  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
  • Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
  • Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
  • Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
  • Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
  • Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
  • Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour|Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.81
    Okinawa $15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Okinawa?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Okinawa, 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 Guilin or Okinawa?

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 Guilin or Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Okinawa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Guilin is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives more rain than Okinawa. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Okinawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Okinawa. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Guilin is cooler than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Guilin usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa and Guilin 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 Okinawa this time of year.

In the winter, Guilin is much colder than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In January, Guilin usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Okinawa in the Spring?

Both Okinawa and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Guilin is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Okinawa. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Guilin

Guilin Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)