A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Tainan City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nikko or Tainan City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nikko and Tainan City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nikko or Tainan City?

Nikko

Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.

Tainan City

The oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan was once the nation's capital during imperial times and is today famous for its temples and historic buildings which speak to this distant past. Additionally Tainan has become known for its lively night markets and fantastic snack foods available from a large concentrate of street vendors located throughout the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Taiwan.


Which place is cheaper, Tainan City or Nikko?

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

  • Nikko Prices
    Japan Prices
    Tainan City Prices
    Taiwan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nikko $108
    Tainan City $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Nikko is $108, while the average daily cost in Tainan City is $149. 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 Nikko and Tainan City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nikko $48
    Tainan City $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nikko $96
    Tainan City $128
Compare Hotels in Nikko and Tainan City

Looking for a hotel in Nikko or Tainan City? 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 Nikko


Hotels in Tainan City


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: Nikko Hotel Prices and Tainan City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nikko -
    Tainan City $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Nikko or Tainan City?

Prices for flights to both Tainan City and Nikko 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
    Nikko $55
    Tainan City $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nikko $22
    Tainan City $11

Tours and Activities in Nikko

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.

  • Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
  • Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
  • Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $66
  • Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
  • Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $90
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $97
  • Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko : $104
  • Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
  • Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
  • Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nikko $15
    Tainan City $6.14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nikko and Tainan City, we can see that Tainan City is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Tainan City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tainan City than you might in Nikko.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nikko Expensive? and Is Tainan City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nikko or Tainan City?

Tainan City has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Tainan City, 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.