A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yangshuo vs. Osaka for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yangshuo or Osaka?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Osaka can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Osaka?

Yangshuo

A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.

Osaka

The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Yangshuo?

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 Yangshuo is $86, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $110. 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 Yangshuo and Osaka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yangshuo $26
    Osaka $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yangshuo $52
    Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Osaka

Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Osaka? 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 Yangshuo


Hotels in Osaka


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: Osaka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yangshuo $43
    Osaka $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo

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

  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
  • Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
  • Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
  • Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
  • Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
  • Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
  • Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
  • Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:


  • Subway
    $8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka

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

  • Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $282
  • Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
  • Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $259
  • Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $258
  • Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $244
  • Private Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $238
  • Private Transfer Between Kyoto and Kansai Airport KIX: $234
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $227
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $222
  • Universal Studios Japan Round Trip Shared Transfer with ticket: $219
  • Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
  • Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Osaka?

Prices for flights to both Osaka and Yangshuo 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
    Yangshuo $33
    Osaka $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo

For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
  • Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
  • The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
  • Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
  • Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka

For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
  • Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
  • 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
  • Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
  • Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
  • Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
  • Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
  • Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
  • Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
  • Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
  • Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
  • Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yangshuo $24
    Osaka $21

Tours and Activities in Yangshuo

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

  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
  • Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $170
  • 1-Day Guilin City Tour and Ends of Longji Rice Terraces from Yangshuo: $218
  • 1-Day Private Yangshuo Bicycle Tour along Ten-Mile Gallery: $119
  • 1-Day Terracotta Warriors Tour from Beijing/Chengdu/Shanghai: $497
  • All Inclusive Private Hiking Tour in Yangshuo: $84
  • Day Tour in Yangshuo and Li River: $155
  • Enchanting Li River & Beyond: Cruise, Peaks & Panorama: $293
  • Entry Ticket to Liu San Jie Impression Show: $71
  • From Guilin: 6-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Excursions: $1,299
  • From Guilin: Yangshuo Rock-climbing & River-tracing Tour: $282
  • From Xingping River-tracing Half Day Private Tour: $102

Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Osaka Aquarium (for 2)
    $31

Tours and Activities in Osaka

For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 6 Hours Osaka Tour with National Licensed Guide: $250
  • Arashiyama Kinkakuji Temple Nara Park Tour from Osaka and Kyoto: $100
  • Explore Osaka with Wine Class and Tasting Experience: $110
  • Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets Bus Tour Experience: $103
  • Miyama Kayabuki no Sato 1 Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: $241
  • Nara Deer Park,Uji Matcha and Hot Spring Full-Day Tour: $52
  • 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $74
  • 150min Full Body and Oil Massage with Japanese Healing Experience: $164
  • 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $34
  • 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable : $165
  • 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $124
  • 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yangshuo $34
    Osaka $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:

  • Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
  • Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka than you might in Yangshuo.

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


Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Osaka, 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 Yangshuo or Osaka?

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 Yangshuo or Osaka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yangshuo in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Osaka. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Yangshuo 30°C (86°F) 
    Osaka 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Osaka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Osaka. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Yangshuo is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 23°C (73°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Yangshuo 23°C (73°F) 
    Osaka 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Osaka in the Winter?

Both Osaka and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Yangshuo is much warmer than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Osaka. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Yangshuo 10°C (49°F) 
    Osaka 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Osaka in the Spring?

Both Osaka and Yangshuo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yangshuo in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in April than Osaka. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Yangshuo 20°C (68°F) 
    Osaka 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Osaka and Yangshuo

Yangshuo Osaka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)