A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hefei vs. Osaka for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hefei or Osaka?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hefei or Osaka? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hefei or Osaka?

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

Osaka

The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.

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


Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Hefei?

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 Hefei is $78, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $110. 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 Hefei and Osaka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hefei $29
    Osaka $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hefei $58
    Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Osaka

Looking for a hotel in Hefei or Osaka? 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 Hefei


Hotels in Osaka


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: Osaka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hefei $17
    Osaka $14

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:


  • Subway
    $8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka

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

  • Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $72
  • Airport Transfer!Hotel in center of Osaka to Kansai Airport (KIX): $192
  • Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
  • Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $258
  • Itami Airport(ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto: $42
  • Japan Railway Station Shared Arrival Transfer : Shin Osaka Station to Osaka City: $71
  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka to Shin Osaka Station: $70
  • Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $282
  • Kansai Airport(KIX) to or from Osaka Kyoto Private Transfer: $62
  • Kansai Area City to City Transfer: $102
  • Kansai Intl. Airport (KIX) Private Transfer to/from Osaka: $80
  • Osaka : Private One-way Transfers to/from Kansai Airport(KIX): $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Osaka?

Prices for flights to both Osaka and Hefei 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
    Hefei $36
    Osaka $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka

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

  • PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
  • Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
  • 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
  • Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
  • Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
  • Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
  • Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
  • Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
  • Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
  • Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
  • Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
  • Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hefei $19
    Osaka $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Osaka Aquarium (for 2)
    $31

Tours and Activities in Osaka

For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Osaka Shinsaibashi: AMMONA Nightclub Entry Ticket (For Foreign): $6.83
  • Osaka Dotonbori: GIRAFFE Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
  • PICCADILLY PREMIUM Live Show & Nightclub Admission Tickets: $6.88
  • Osaka Umeda: OWL Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
  • Osaka Food Quest: Self-Guided Culinary & History Adventure: $7.16
  • HEP Ferris Wheel Osaka Entry Ticket: $11
  • Osaka Castle Entry Ticket: $13
  • Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $13
  • Osaka Hidden Gems Tour: Tennoji & Oldest Temple with Audio Guide: $14
  • Osaka Oracle GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $14
  • Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower Ticket: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hefei $11
    Osaka $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka

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

  • Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
  • Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259


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

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


Which is Bigger, Hefei or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Hefei and Osaka, 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 Hefei or Osaka?

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 Hefei or Osaka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Osaka. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hefei is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hefei in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Hefei receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hefei usually gets more rain in July than Osaka. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hefei 29°C (83°F) 
    Osaka 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Osaka in the Autumn?

Both Osaka and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hefei is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 18°C (64°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In October, Hefei usually receives less rain than Osaka. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hefei 18°C (64°F) 
    Osaka 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Osaka in the Winter?

Both Osaka and Hefei during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hefei can be very cold during winter. Hefei is much colder than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Hefei usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hefei 3°C (38°F) 
    Osaka 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Osaka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Osaka. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In the spring, Hefei is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hefei in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hefei usually receives less rain than Osaka. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hefei 16°C (61°F) 
    Osaka 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Osaka and Hefei

Hefei Osaka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)