Which place is cheaper, Yakushima or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nanjing or Yakushima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Yakushima? 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 Yakushima?
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.
Yakushima
Yakushima, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage island located north of Okinawa and off the south east of of Kyushu. The island is well-known to Japanese tourists but not so much to international ones, making it a bit of a hidden gem to international tourists. This also means that English isn't spoken as much as in larger cities, so make sure to brush up on your Japanese and bring a dictionary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.
-
Nanjing Prices
China PricesYakushima Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Yakushima $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Yakushima is $141. 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 Yakushima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Yakushima $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Yakushima $122
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Yakushima
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Yakushima? 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: Yakushima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Yakushima $51
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 Yakushima?
Prices for flights to both Yakushima 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 dayNanjing $49Yakushima $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 $9.41Yakushima $21
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 Yakushima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yakushima are as follows:
- Private Guided Tour: $336
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Yakushima $6.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Yakushima, we can see that Yakushima is more expensive. And not only is Nanjing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanjing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanjing 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 Yakushima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yakushima than you might in Nanjing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Yakushima Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Yakushima?
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 Yakushima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Yakushima.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Yakushima in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Yakushima fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Yakushima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 189 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Yakushima 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Yakushima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Yakushima.
In the autumn, Nanjing is cooler than Yakushima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Yakushima averages at about 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Yakushima. Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Yakushima. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Yakushima 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Yakushima in the Winter?
Both Yakushima and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Yakushima. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Yakushima fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yakushima. In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Yakushima. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Yakushima 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Yakushima in the Spring?
Both Yakushima and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit.
Nanjing is cooler than Yakushima in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Yakushima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Yakushima 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 Yakushima. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Yakushima receives 207 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Yakushima 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Yakushima and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Yakushima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 288 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 352 mm (13.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 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.