Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Nanjing?
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 Nanjing or Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Koyasan? 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: Nanjing or Koyasan?
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
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Nanjing Prices
China PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $95. 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 Nanjing and Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Koyasan $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Koyasan? 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: Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Koyasan $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $47
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing to Hangzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $52
- Nanjing to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan and Nanjing 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 dayNanjing $49Koyasan $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Koyasan $14
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Koyasan $5.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Koyasan, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing than you might in Koyasan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Koyasan?
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 Nanjing or Koyasan in the Summer?
Both Koyasan and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koyasan in the Autumn?
Both Koyasan and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
In the autumn, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koyasan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Koyasan. Furthermore, many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koyasan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Koyasan. Additionally, many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 8°C (46°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.