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

Should you visit Guilin or Sapporo?

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

Where Should I go: Guilin or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo 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 Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Sapporo $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo


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: Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.85
    Sapporo $16
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:

  • Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
  • Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
  • Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
  • Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo

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

  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
  • Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
  • Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
  • New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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
    Sapporo $54
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 Sapporo

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

  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
  • Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
  • Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
  • Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Sapporo $17
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:

  • 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
  • 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
  • 1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages: $169
  • 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $72
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
  • 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
  • 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
  • 1 Day Relaxing Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Tour: $205

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

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

  • JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.33
  • Sapporo TV Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
  • Historical Village of Hokkaido Entry Ticket: $6.76
  • JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Ticket in Hokkaido: $9.00
  • Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Walking Tour: $31
  • Hokkaido Shrine Tour with Rituals, History & Sweets: $43
  • Tour of the Historic Red Brick Government Office: $50
  • Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $55
  • Beer Museum Tour with Tasting of Local Brews: $57
  • Sapporo Walking Tour: $61
  • Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.81
    Sapporo $8.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:

  • Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
  • 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

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 Guilin or Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Sapporo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Guilin is much warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guilin usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Sapporo. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. In the winter, Guilin is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Guilin usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In April, Guilin is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Guilin

Guilin Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)