Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo 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: Tokyo or Suzhou?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $190Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $190, 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 Tokyo and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $79Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $158Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $18Suzhou $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to Tokyo One Way Transfer : $14
- Private Airport Transfer Haneda Airport to or from Tokyo City: $20
- Disneyland or Disneysea Transfer to or from Tokyo English Driver: $20
- Haneda Airport Private Transfer to Tokyo/Yokohama/MountFuji/Osaka: $42
- Hotel Transfer to/from Disneyland or DisneySea: $42
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $54
- DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $56
- Private transfer from Central Tokyo to Disney Resort: $62
- Tokyo City: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Yokohama City: $63
- Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $65
- Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Haneda Airport: $66
- Shared Arrival Transfer : Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo City: $66
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 Tokyo or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $67Suzhou $57
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.41
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
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Meal at Airport$7.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tsukiji Food Tour Explore Markets and Temples in Tokyo: $18
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $34
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $34
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $34
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $44
- Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $51
- Tokyo private hidden food tour: $55
- Mastering the Grill A Ninja Yakiniku A5 Wagyu Dinner in Nippori : $56
- Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56
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.Tokyo $71Suzhou $9.47
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Tokyo 4‑Day Self‑Guided PDF Tour of Senso‑ji, Shibuya and more: $3.42
- Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.42
- Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Guided Tour: $3.46
- Self-Guided Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Alleys: $3.57
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Asakusa & Senso-ji Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
- Horse Racing Tour with Local Fans in Tokyo: $10
- Shibuya drinking tour: $10
- Gyoda Oshi Castle Ninja Experience : $11
- Tokyo Subway Ticket : $11
- Water Bus Ticket Odaiba ↔ Asakusa: $12
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 dayTokyo $34Suzhou $6.50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $34
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $38
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $114
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $116
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $132
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $142
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
- From Tokyo：Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $201
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Suzhou, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Suzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Suzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Suzhou 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Suzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Suzhou?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In Suzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Suzhou. Tokyo gets 137 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 Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Suzhou. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Suzhou. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 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 OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Suzhou. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. Tokyo is a little warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.
Tokyo usually gets more rain in January than Suzhou. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 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 JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In the spring, Tokyo is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during spring. Tokyo gets 161 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. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.