Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Suzhou?
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 Suzhou or Mashiko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Suzhou and Mashiko 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: Suzhou or Mashiko?
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.
Mashiko
Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Suzhou Prices
China PricesMashiko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySuzhou $127Mashiko $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $127, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $83. 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 Suzhou and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSuzhou $39Mashiko $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSuzhou $78Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Suzhou or Mashiko? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Suzhou $58Mashiko $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- 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
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Suzhou 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 daySuzhou $57Mashiko $41
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.Suzhou $9.47Mashiko $9.17
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 daySuzhou $6.50Mashiko $5.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Suzhou and Mashiko, we can see that Suzhou is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mashiko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mashiko 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou than you might in Mashiko.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Suzhou Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Mashiko?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou and Mashiko, 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 Suzhou or Mashiko?
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 Suzhou or Mashiko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Mashiko. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Suzhou is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Suzhou often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Suzhou usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySuzhou 28°C (83°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Mashiko in the Autumn?
Both Mashiko and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.
Suzhou is a little warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Suzhou usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. In October, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSuzhou 19°C (65°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Mashiko in the Winter?
Both Mashiko and Suzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. In the winter, Suzhou is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Suzhou in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Mashiko. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.
Suzhou usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySuzhou 4°C (39°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Mashiko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Mashiko. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.
In April, Suzhou is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 15°C (58°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Suzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mashiko during spring. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSuzhou 15°C (58°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Suzhou
| Suzhou | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.