A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nanjing vs. Okinawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nanjing or Okinawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nanjing or Okinawa? 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 Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa or Nanjing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nanjing Prices
    China Prices
    Okinawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nanjing $118
    Okinawa $125

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Okinawa? 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.

Hotels in Nanjing


Hotels in Okinawa


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Okinawa $9.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
  • Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nanjing $49
    Okinawa $41

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Okinawa $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

Tours and Activities in Okinawa

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:

  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
  • Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
  • Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
  • Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
  • Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
  • Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
  • Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour|Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Okinawa $15


When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa 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 Nanjing Expensive? and Is Okinawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Okinawa?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Okinawa. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Okinawa averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Okinawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Okinawa. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In October, Nanjing is generally cooler than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. Nanjing is much colder than Okinawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Okinawa in the Spring?

Both Okinawa and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nanjing is cooler than Okinawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Okinawa averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Nanjing

Nanjing Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)