Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou or Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Koyasan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Koyasan?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $95. 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 Hangzhou and Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Koyasan $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Koyasan? 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: Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.24Koyasan $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $31Koyasan $34
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Koyasan $14
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Koyasan $5.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan than you might in Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hangzhou or Koyasan?
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 Hangzhou or Koyasan in the Summer?
Both Koyasan and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koyasan in the Autumn?
Both Koyasan and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koyasan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Koyasan. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. In January, Hangzhou is generally cooler than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Koyasan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Koyasan. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koyasan. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 35 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.