Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Lhasa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lhasa or Dewa Sanzan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lhasa or Dewa Sanzan? 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: Lhasa or Dewa Sanzan?
Lhasa
Lhasa is the famed capital of Tibet, and is one of the most fascinating cities in the world to visit. It's name means "Land of the Gods" and the city dates back more than 1,300 years. It's elevation is 3,650 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. It sits on the northern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains by the Lhasa River and is the second largest city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining.
Dewa Sanzan
Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
-
Lhasa Prices
China PricesDewa Sanzan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLhasa $91Dewa Sanzan $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Lhasa is $91, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $86. 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 Lhasa and Dewa Sanzan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLhasa $40Dewa Sanzan $29
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLhasa $80Dewa Sanzan $58
Compare Hotels in Lhasa and Dewa Sanzan
Looking for a hotel in Lhasa or Dewa Sanzan? 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: Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lhasa $2.60Dewa Sanzan $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lhasa
Also for Lhasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lhasa Kongga Airport private Transfer: $260
- Lhasa Kongga Airport Chauffeur Service, Lhasa Airport Transfer, Pickup: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Lhasa or Dewa Sanzan?
Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan and Lhasa 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 dayLhasa $46Dewa Sanzan $43
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lhasa $17Dewa Sanzan $9.56
Tours and Activities in Lhasa
For Lhasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 17 Days Kailash Mansarovar Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration: $13,185
- 17-Day Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp: $3,759
- 5-Day Private Tour with Potala Palace & Yamdrok Lake: $1,299
Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan
For Dewa Sanzan, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mount Haguro E-Bike Sightseeing Tour in Yamagata, Japan: $202
- Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $249
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLhasa $7.01Dewa Sanzan $7.53
When comparing the travel costs between Lhasa and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Lhasa 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 Lhasa Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.
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.