Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Tianjin?
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 Tianjin or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Suzhou? 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: Tianjin or Suzhou?
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Tianjin Prices
China PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $92Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, 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 Tianjin and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $35Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $70Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $37Suzhou $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Tianjin Airport ⇔ Tianjin City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service <Charter charter>: $13
- Tianjin Binhai Airport(TSN) to Tianjin - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Binhai Railway Station: $32
- Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
- Tianjin Airport (TSN) to Tianjin RoundTrip Private Transfer: $48
- Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer To Tianjin Airport one way private transfer: $50
- Private Tianjin Transfer to Xingang International Cruise Port from City Hotels: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Tianjin City Hotels: $73
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 Tianjin or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou and Tianjin 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 dayTianjin $36Suzhou $57
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.Tianjin $10Suzhou $9.47
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- Tianjin International Cruise Home Port to Beijing Airport/City Tr: $119
- Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
- Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $214
- Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
- Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
- All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
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 dayTianjin $11Suzhou $6.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou is more expensive. And not only is Tianjin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tianjin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tianjin 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 Tianjin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Suzhou?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Tianjin during the summer are popular places to visit.
Tianjin is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Suzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the summer, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.
Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Suzhou.
In the autumn, Tianjin is cooler than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tianjin in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).
In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 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 OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Suzhou.
It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. The weather in Tianjin can be very cold. In January, Tianjin is generally much colder than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around -3°C (27°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the winter, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.
Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Suzhou. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Tianjin is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Suzhou | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.