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

Should you visit Hefei or Tokyo?

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

Should I visit Hefei or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hefei $29
    Tokyo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hefei $58
    Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Hefei or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hefei $17
    Tokyo $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $232
  • Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $65
  • Airport Transfer between Narita and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $231
  • Airport Transfer: Haneda Airport and Tokyo 23 wards: $135
  • Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Haneda Airport: $116
  • DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $56
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $286
  • Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $176
  • Disabled-passenger transfer from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Port : $216
  • Discount Rate, Airport Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda ⇔ Narita : $260
  • Discover Makaino Farm with Bus Transfer from Tokyo: $71
  • Disneyland or Disneysea Transfer to or from Tokyo English Driver: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $67

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.41
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.41
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • Tsukiji Food Tour Explore Markets and Temples in Tokyo: $18
  • Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
  • Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $34
  • Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $34
  • For First Time Visitor:Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $34
  • Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
  • Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $44
  • Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
  • Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $51
  • Tokyo private hidden food tour: $55
  • Mastering the Grill A Ninja Yakiniku A5 Wagyu Dinner in Nippori : $56
  • Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hefei $19
    Tokyo $71

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • Tokyo 4‑Day Self‑Guided PDF Tour of Senso‑ji, Shibuya and more: $3.42
  • Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.42
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Guided Tour: $3.46
  • Self-Guided Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Alleys: $3.57
  • Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
  • Tokyo Asakusa & Senso-ji Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
  • Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
  • Horse Racing Tour with Local Fans in Tokyo: $10
  • Shibuya drinking tour: $10
  • Gyoda Oshi Castle Ninja Experience : $11
  • Tokyo Subway Ticket : $11
  • Water Bus Ticket Odaiba ↔ Asakusa: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hefei $11
    Tokyo $34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.06

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

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

  • Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $34
  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
  • 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $38
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $114
  • Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $116
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $132
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $142
  • Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
  • From Tokyo:Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $201
  • Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $242


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


Which is Bigger, Hefei or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Hefei and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

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 Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Hefei during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In the summer, Hefei is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hefei in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hefei. Hefei usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hefei 29°C (83°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Tokyo. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hefei usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hefei 18°C (64°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Tokyo. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hefei. Hefei is much colder than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Hefei usually gets less rain in January than Tokyo. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hefei 3°C (38°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Hefei or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hefei is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hefei in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In April, Hefei usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hefei 16°C (61°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Hefei

Hefei Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)