Which place is cheaper, Mashiko or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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: Xiamen or Mashiko?
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Xiamen Prices
China PricesMashiko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $84Mashiko $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $84, 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 Xiamen and Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $31Mashiko $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $62Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen 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.Xiamen $6.08Mashiko $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko and Xiamen 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 dayXiamen $46Mashiko $41
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Mashiko $9.17
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Mashiko $5.31
When comparing the travel costs between Xiamen and Mashiko, we can see that Xiamen 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 Xiamen Expensive? and Is Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Mashiko?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen 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 Xiamen or Mashiko?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Xiamen or Mashiko in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Mashiko. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Xiamen is a little warmer than Mashiko in the summer. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Mashiko in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Mashiko. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.
In the autumn, Xiamen is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Xiamen in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Mashiko averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Mashiko. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Mashiko in the Winter?
Both Mashiko and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. In January, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 14°C (58°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Mashiko in the Spring?
Both Mashiko and Xiamen during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.
Xiamen is much warmer than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 20°C (69°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets more rain in April than Mashiko. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 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.