Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Osaka?
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 Osaka or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Suzhou, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Osaka or Suzhou?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Osaka Prices
Japan PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $110Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $110, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Osaka and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $48Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $96Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Osaka or Suzhou? 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14Suzhou $58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between KIX Airport and Osaka City: $14
- Private Transfer to/from Universal Studios Japan: $42
- Itami Airport(ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto: $42
- Transfer from Kansai Airport to Osaka City Hotels: $45
- Osaka International Airport (ITM) Private Transfer to Osaka/Kyoto: $46
- Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport: $57
- Osaka : Private One-way Transfers to/from Kansai Airport(KIX): $59
- Kansai Airport（KIX） to or from Osaka Kyoto Private Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer by Sedan from Itami Airport ITM to Osaka City : $65
- Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Osaka hotels to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka to Shin Osaka Station: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $45Suzhou $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $21Suzhou $9.47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Shinsaibashi: AMMONA Nightclub Entry Ticket (For Foreign): $6.83
- Osaka Dotonbori: GIRAFFE Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- Osaka Umeda: OWL Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM Live Show & Nightclub Admission Tickets: $6.88
- Osaka Food Quest: Self-Guided Culinary & History Adventure: $7.16
- HEP Ferris Wheel Osaka Entry Ticket: $11
- Osaka Castle Entry Ticket: $13
- Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $13
- Osaka Hidden Gems Tour: Tennoji & Oldest Temple with Audio Guide: $14
- Osaka Oracle GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $14
- Osaka Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory ETicket: $14
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
- Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $12Suzhou $6.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259
When comparing the travel costs between Osaka and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Osaka Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Suzhou?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Suzhou, 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 Osaka or Suzhou?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Osaka or Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Suzhou. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the summer, Osaka is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. In the summer, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Osaka usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou and Osaka during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Suzhou can be very cold during winter. Osaka is a little warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.
Osaka usually gets more rain in January than Suzhou. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Suzhou. Most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Osaka is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Osaka
| Osaka | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.