Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Ise?
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 Ise or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ise and Suzhou can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Ise or Suzhou?
Ise
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Ise Prices
Japan PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIse $110Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Ise is $110, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Ise and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIse $43Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIse $86Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Ise and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Ise or Suzhou? 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: Ise Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ise $45Suzhou $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Ise or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou and Ise 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 dayIse $43Suzhou $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ise $6.04Suzhou $9.47
Tours and Activities in Ise
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
- Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
- Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
- Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
- Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
- Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
- Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
- Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
- Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
- Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
- Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIse $4.68Suzhou $6.50
When comparing the travel costs between Ise and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Ise Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ise or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Ise and Suzhou, 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 Ise or Suzhou?
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 Ise or Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Suzhou. The summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Ise is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 26°C (79°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou this time of the year. Ise usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ise usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIse 26°C (79°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Ise or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ise as well as Suzhou. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.
Ise is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Ise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Ise gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Ise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ise usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIse 17°C (63°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Ise or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. In the winter, Ise is a little warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ise in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Ise usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Ise gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ise usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIse 5°C (40°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Ise or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou and Ise during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.
In April, Ise is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 13°C (56°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the spring, Ise often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Ise gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. Ise usually gets more rain in April than Suzhou. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIse 13°C (56°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Ise
| Ise | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (44°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.