Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Shenyang?
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 Shenyang or Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Shenyang or Sapporo? 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: Shenyang or Sapporo?
Shenyang
Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Shenyang Prices
China PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenyang $85Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenyang is $85, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Shenyang and Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenyang $41Sapporo $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenyang $82Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Shenyang and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Shenyang or Sapporo? 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: Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenyang $20Sapporo $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenyang or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo and Shenyang 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 dayShenyang $32Sapporo $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenyang $7.81Sapporo $17
Tours and Activities in Shenyang
For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
- 1 Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $281
- 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $254
- 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $174
- 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
- 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
- 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $286
- Authentic Japanese Home Dining Experience in Sapporo with Noriko: $88
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
- Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $174
- Calligraphy Experience Set 60 minute plan: $69
- Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenyang $5.91Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenyang and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo than you might in Shenyang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenyang Expensive? and Is Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenyang or Sapporo?
Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Shenyang and Sapporo, 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 Shenyang or Sapporo?
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 Shenyang or Sapporo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenyang and Sapporo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Shenyang is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenyang in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).
In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenyang usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Shenyang gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shenyang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenyang usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Shenyang gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenyang 25°C (77°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Sapporo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shenyang as well as Sapporo. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Shenyang is generally around the same temperature as Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Shenyang average around 10°C (51°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. In the autumn, Shenyang often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Shenyang gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Shenyang usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Shenyang gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenyang 10°C (51°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Sapporo in the Winter?
Both Sapporo and Shenyang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.
It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. The weather in Shenyang can be very cold. Shenyang is much colder than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around -11°C (13°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).
Shenyang usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Shenyang gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In January, Shenyang usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Shenyang gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenyang -11°C (13°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Sapporo in the Spring?
Both Sapporo and Shenyang during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Shenyang is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenyang in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Shenyang. In the spring, Shenyang often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Shenyang gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.
Shenyang usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Shenyang gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenyang 10°C (50°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Shenyang
| Shenyang | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (19°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.