A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Xiamen vs. Tokyo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xiamen or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo?

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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Xiamen?

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 Xiamen is $84, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xiamen $31
    Tokyo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xiamen $62
    Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Tokyo? 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 Xiamen


Hotels in Tokyo


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xiamen $6.08
    Tokyo $18

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • 【Haneda Airport】Luxury Private Transfer : $89
  • Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $231
  • Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
  • Private Transfers to/from Narita Airport(NRT): $79
  • Private Transfer to/from Haneda Airport 7 Seater: $124
  • Private Transfer from/to Yokohama Port: $191
  • Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Yokohama Port: $67
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Hakone or Mt.Fuji: $156
  • Private Customize Day Tour With Hotel Transfer: $200
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Haneda Airport: $149
  • Hotel Transfer to/from Disneyland or DisneySea: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Xiamen $46
    Tokyo $67

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.41
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.41
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xiamen $16
    Tokyo $71

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

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • 4 Hours Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $102
  • Knife Sharpening Experience in Tokyo : $23
  • Kyu-Yasuda, Kiyosumi and Hama-Rikyu Tokyo Garden Tour: $159
  • Manga Artist Experience with Professional Guidance in Tokyo: $114
  • Mount Fuji and Iconic Scenic Spots Day Tour : $99
  • Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
  • Pick the Hours That Suit You In A Flexible Tokyo Guided Tour: $70
  • Private Walking Tour Tokyo's Fukagawa Edo Museum: $102
  • Shibuya Tokyo Private Photo Tour Activity: $277
  • Shinjuku Mini Ramen Tour: Shoyu, Tonkotsu & Miso: $98
  • Tokyo Skytree Private Walking Tour Experience With cafe inside: $184
  • Akihabara Otaku Tour - 1.5h Guided Shopping: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xiamen $17
    Tokyo $34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • 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 Xiamen and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Xiamen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Tokyo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Tokyo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Xiamen is a little warmer than Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Tokyo. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Xiamen is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Xiamen in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 14°C (58°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Xiamen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Xiamen is a little warmer than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 20°C (69°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Xiamen

Xiamen Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)