A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kao-hsiung vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Ise?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kao-hsiung and Ise 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: Kao-hsiung or Ise?

Kao-hsiung

Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Ise or Kao-hsiung?

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 Kao-hsiung is $134, while the average daily cost in Ise 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 Kao-hsiung and Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kao-hsiung $60
    Ise $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kao-hsiung $120
    Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Ise? 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 Kao-hsiung


Hotels in Ise


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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices and Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $12
    Ise $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:

  • Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $134
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $134
  • Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
  • Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer : $50
  • Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $192
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $75
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138

Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise and Kao-hsiung 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
    Kao-hsiung $59
    Ise $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.

  • Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain : $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $22
    Ise $6.04

Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:

  • Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung: $33
  • Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
  • Kenting and Pingtung One Day Tour with Departure from Kaohsiung: $52
  • Classic Northern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
  • Classic Southern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
  • Kaohsiung City Walking Day Tour: $70
  • Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
  • Alishan Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $90
  • Buddha Museum- Half Day Tour : $90
  • Tainan Day Tour –Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower & Anping Castle: $100
  • Private Tour Shore Excursion in Kaohsiung City: $199
  • 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $200

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kao-hsiung $11
    Ise $4.68


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Ise?

Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Ise, 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.