Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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.
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Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Matsue?
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 Matsue 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 Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Kao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan PricesMatsue Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKao-hsiung $134Matsue $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $134, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKao-hsiung $60Matsue $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKao-hsiung $120Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Matsue? 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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices and Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kao-hsiung $12Matsue $20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
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Food Meals for one dayKao-hsiung $59Matsue $49
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kao-hsiung $22Matsue $9.13
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 Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
- Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
- Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKao-hsiung $11Matsue $7.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kao-hsiung and Matsue, we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.
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 Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Matsue?
Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Matsue, 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.
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.