Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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 Matsue?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Matsue? 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 Matsue?
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.
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 China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Nanjing Prices
China PricesMatsue Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Matsue $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, 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 Nanjing and Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Matsue $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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: Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Matsue $20
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
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 Nanjing or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $49Matsue $49
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 $9.41Matsue $9.13
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
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: $104
- Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Matsue $7.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Matsue, we can see that Nanjing 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 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 Matsue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Matsue?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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.
When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Matsue?
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 Matsue in the Summer?
Both Matsue and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Nanjing is a little warmer than Matsue in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Matsue. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Matsue in the Autumn?
Both Matsue and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Matsue because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Matsue averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Matsue in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Matsue. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
It's quite cold in Matsue in the winter. The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In January, Nanjing is generally cooler than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Matsue. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Matsue in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Matsue. Additionally, many travelers come to Matsue for the natural beauty.
Nanjing is a little warmer than Matsue in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.