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

Should you visit Suzhou 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 Suzhou 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: Suzhou or Sendai?

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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Suzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $127, 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 Suzhou and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $39
    Sendai $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $78
    Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou 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 Suzhou


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.
    Suzhou $58
    Sendai $18

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Suzhou $57
    Sendai $58

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

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.
    Suzhou $9.47
    Sendai $19

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

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
    Suzhou $6.50
    Sendai $11


When comparing the travel costs between Suzhou and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Suzhou Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Sendai?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou 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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou or Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Suzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Suzhou is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Suzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Suzhou. In the summer, Suzhou often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Sendai. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In October, Suzhou is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 19°C (65°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Suzhou usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Sendai. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Sendai. Additionally, 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 Suzhou in the winter. Suzhou is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Suzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sendai. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Suzhou is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Suzhou in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during spring. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. In April, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Sendai. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Suzhou

Suzhou Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)