Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Nagoya?
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 Nagoya or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nagoya or Harbin? 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: Nagoya or Harbin?
Nagoya
Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
-
Nagoya Prices
Japan PricesHarbin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNagoya $113Harbin $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Nagoya is $113, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $66. 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 Nagoya and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNagoya $48Harbin $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNagoya $96Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Nagoya and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Nagoya or Harbin? 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: Nagoya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nagoya $12Harbin $1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya
Also for Nagoya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Departure Transfer : Nagoya City to Chubu Airport: $99
- Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $139
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Port: $285
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $139
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya City Hotels: $126
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Airport (NGO): $201
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (NGO) to Toyama Port: $235
- Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $296
- Private Transfer - Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Cruise Port: $201
- Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $285
- Private Departure Transfer Nagoya City to Chubu Centrair International Airport: $208
- Nagoya to Nagoya Int Airport NGO, Departure Private Transfer: $91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin West Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $60
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin South Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $80
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Private Day Transfer to Jihua Ski Resort from Harbin City: $300
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin North Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $100
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin East Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Nagoya or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Nagoya 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 dayNagoya $49Harbin $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya
For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour with Locals 【Private Tour】: $59
- Osu Kannon Temple & Street Food Tour in Nagoya's Osu District: $83
- Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $159
- Traditional Ukai Watching Private Tour from Nagoya With Dinner: $221
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nagoya $13Harbin $53
Tours and Activities in Nagoya
For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Buddhas at a Temple and Tea Ceremony Experience: $91
- 2 Hour Private Scenic Mountain Castle Tour in Gifu: $76
- A Fun Car Tour to Inuyama Castle and a Phallus: $160
- A tour to enjoy Japanese official gambling (horse racing, bicycle racing, pachinko): $72
- All-You-Can-Drink Sake Tasting Tour in Nagoya: $185
- Arimatsu townscape walk & aperture experience: Accompanying professional photographer: $138
- Atsuta Shrine Visit and Sweets Making Experience in Nagoya: $276
- Autumn Leaves Private Tour in Nagoya: $172
- Bus Tour to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go with Hida Pork Lunch : $81
- Experience Being a Shinto Priest or Shrine Maiden at NAGOYA: $45
- Experience the Soul of the Sword-smith : Samurai Spirit in Seki: $242
- From Nagoya Kyoto Day Tour with Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu Lunch: $93
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 3 Hours Harbin Frozen Songhua River Sightseeing: $200
- 4Hour Tour Heilongjiang Museum to Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: $250
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNagoya $13Harbin $7.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:
- The Nagoya Restaurant and Bar Crawl: $40
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagoya and Harbin, we can see that Nagoya is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Nagoya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagoya than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagoya Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya and Harbin, 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 Nagoya or Harbin?
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 Nagoya or Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Nagoya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.
In July, Nagoya is generally a little warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 27°C (80°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. It's quite rainy in Nagoya. In July, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nagoya gets 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNagoya 27°C (80°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Nagoya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Nagoya is much warmer than Harbin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagoya averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. Nagoya usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Nagoya gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNagoya 18°C (64°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagoya and Harbin. Many visitors come to Nagoya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Harbin can be very cold during winter. Nagoya can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nagoya is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagoya in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Harbin averages at about -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Nagoya usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nagoya gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNagoya 4°C (40°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Nagoya or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nagoya as well as Harbin. Most visitors come to Nagoya for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Nagoya is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nagoya average around 14°C (58°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nagoya usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Nagoya gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNagoya 14°C (58°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Nagoya
| Nagoya | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.