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

Should you visit Nanjing or Yaeyama Islands?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Yaeyama Islands? 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 Yaeyama Islands?

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.

Yaeyama Islands

The Yaeyama Islands is a cluster of islands located in the southwestern part of Japan, close to Taiwan. There are nine different islands, varying from small islets to large holiday resort islands. The Yaeyama Islands are one of the most popular destination in Japan due to their beautiful beaches and underwater ruins. Yaeyama is also known for having their own language and writing system. For the most part, everyone on the Islands speak Japanese, but you'll often find the Yaeyama writing on T-shirts in souvenir shops or scattered around Yaeyama.

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


Which place is cheaper, Yaeyama Islands 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
    Yaeyama Islands Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nanjing $118
    Yaeyama Islands $118

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Yaeyama Islands $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Yaeyama Islands $112
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Yaeyama Islands

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Yaeyama Islands? 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 Yaeyama Islands


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: Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Yaeyama Islands $19

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 Yaeyama Islands?

Prices for flights to both Yaeyama Islands 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
    Yaeyama Islands $50

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Yaeyama Islands $8.93

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Yaeyama Islands $6.51


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



When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

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

In July, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?

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

Nanjing is cooler than Yaeyama Islands in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Yaeyama Islands. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. In the winter, Nanjing is much colder than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?

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

In April, Nanjing is generally much colder than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Nanjing

Nanjing Yaeyama Islands
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 23°C (74°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 20°C (67°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)