A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shijiazhuang vs. Sendai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shijiazhuang or Sendai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shijiazhuang and Sendai 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: Shijiazhuang or Sendai?

Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang is the capital city of Hebei Province in China. It is a fairly young city, acting as the regional transport hub and economic center, though there are a few sights worth seeing. The city is also the largest pharmaceutical hub in China, as well as an important center for textile, IT, manufacturing, and chemical industries.

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Shijiazhuang?

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

  • Shijiazhuang Prices
    China Prices
    Sendai Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shijiazhuang $91
    Sendai $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Shijiazhuang is $91, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $133. 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 Shijiazhuang and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shijiazhuang $44
    Sendai $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shijiazhuang $88
    Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Shijiazhuang and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Shijiazhuang or Sendai? 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 Shijiazhuang


Hotels in Sendai


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: Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shijiazhuang $27
    Sendai $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Shijiazhuang or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai and Shijiazhuang 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
    Shijiazhuang $32
    Sendai $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai

For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
  • Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shijiazhuang $4.41
    Sendai $19

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shijiazhuang $5.21
    Sendai $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Shijiazhuang or Sendai?

Shijiazhuang has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Shijiazhuang and Sendai, 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 Shijiazhuang or Sendai?

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 Shijiazhuang or Sendai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shijiazhuang as well as Sendai. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shijiazhuang is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Shijiazhuang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Shijiazhuang gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shijiazhuang 27°C (81°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Shijiazhuang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In the autumn, Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shijiazhuang in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. In October, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Sendai. Shijiazhuang gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (59°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Shijiazhuang during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. It's quite cold in Shijiazhuang in the winter. In January, Shijiazhuang is generally much colder than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around -2°C (29°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Shijiazhuang gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shijiazhuang -2°C (29°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shijiazhuang and Sendai. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Shijiazhuang is a little warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In April, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Sendai. Shijiazhuang gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (60°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 21°C (71°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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