Which place is cheaper, Sado 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 Sado?
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 Sado. 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 Sado?
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.
Sado
Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesSado Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Sado $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Sado is $82. 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 Sado in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Sado $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Sado $62
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Sado
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Sado? 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: Sado Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.24Sado $14
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:
- Private Hangzhou Departure Transfer Service: Hotel to Hangzhou Train Station: $21
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Safari Park and City Hotels: $37
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from City hotels: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $43
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $46
- Hangzhou to Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Hangzhou Train Station Transfer: $53
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Chauffeur Service,Hangzhou Airport Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Sado?
Prices for flights to both Sado 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 $31Sado $42
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
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Sado $8.74
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
- Traditional Hanfu Clothes Photo Shoot Experience: $82
Tours and Activities in Sado
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sado are as follows:
- Sado Island Highlights: 3-Hour Bike Tour: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Sado $69
When comparing the travel costs between Hangzhou and Sado, we can see that Sado is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Sado Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hangzhou or Sado?
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 Sado in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Sado. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Sado receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Sado. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Sado 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Sado in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Sado. Additionally, many visitors come to Sado in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Sado. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Sado 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Sado in the Winter?
Both Sado and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sado can be very cold during winter. Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hangzhou is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In January, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Sado. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Sado 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Sado in the Spring?
Both Sado and Hangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Hangzhou is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Sado. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Sado 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sado and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Sado | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 162 mm (6.4 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.