Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Matsue?
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 Matsue 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 Matsue 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: Matsue or Suzhou?
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.
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 Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Matsue Prices
Japan PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMatsue $88Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $88, 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 Matsue and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMatsue $27Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMatsue $54Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Matsue 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: Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Matsue $20Suzhou $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62
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 Matsue or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou and Matsue 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 dayMatsue $49Suzhou $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.Matsue $9.13Suzhou $9.47
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
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: $21
- 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 dayMatsue $7.10Suzhou $6.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Matsue and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Matsue Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Matsue or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Matsue 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 Matsue 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 Matsue or Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Suzhou. The summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Matsue is generally cooler than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 25°C (78°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou this time of the year. In Matsue, it's very sunny this time of the year. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Matsue usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMatsue 25°C (78°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Matsue or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Suzhou. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
Matsue is cooler than Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Matsue often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Matsue usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 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 OctoberMatsue 17°C (62°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Matsue or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Matsue 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 Matsue. In the winter, Matsue is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Matsue in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Matsue. In January, Matsue usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 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 JanuaryMatsue 4°C (39°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Matsue or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou and Matsue during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Matsue is generally cooler than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 13°C (55°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the spring, Matsue often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Matsue gets 194 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 Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in April than Suzhou. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMatsue 13°C (55°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Matsue
| Matsue | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.