Which place is cheaper, Sado 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 Sado?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Sado? 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 Sado?
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.
Sado
Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Nanjing Prices
China PricesSado Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Sado $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Sado is $82. 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 Sado in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Sado $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Sado $62
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Sado
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Sado? 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: Sado Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Sado $14
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Sado?
Prices for flights to both Sado 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 $49Sado $42
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 $9.41Sado $8.74
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 Sado
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sado are as follows:
- Sado Island Highlights: 3-Hour Bike Tour: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Sado $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Sado, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Sado.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Sado Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Sado?
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 Sado in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Sado. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sado this time of year.
In July, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Sado receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Sado. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Sado 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Sado in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Sado. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Nanjing is a little warmer than Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Sado. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Sado 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Sado in the Winter?
Both Sado and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sado in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sado can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. In the winter, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Sado. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Sado 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Sado in the Spring?
Both Sado and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sado. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Sado 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sado and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Sado | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 162 mm (6.4 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.