Which place is cheaper, Sendai 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai. 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 Sendai?
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.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesSendai Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Sendai $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, 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 Hangzhou and Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Sendai $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.Hangzhou $8.24Sendai $18
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:
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $75
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $72
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Mogan Mountian from Hangzhou: $85
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
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 Hangzhou or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $31Sendai $58
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
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.Hangzhou $20Sendai $19
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $113
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
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 dayHangzhou $10Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 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 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Sendai?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Sendai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Sendai. Additionally, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 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 JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Sendai in the Autumn?
Both Sendai and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. In October, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Sendai. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 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 OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
It's quite cold in Sendai in the winter. The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. In January, Hangzhou is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 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 JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Sendai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Sendai. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Hangzhou is much warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Sendai. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 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 AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.