A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhengzhou vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Ise?

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 Zhengzhou and Ise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Ise?

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

Ise

A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Ise or Zhengzhou?

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 Zhengzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Ise 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 Zhengzhou and Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $21
    Ise $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $42
    Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Ise? 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 Zhengzhou


Hotels in Ise


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: Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhengzhou $14
    Ise $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise and Zhengzhou 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
    Zhengzhou $36
    Ise $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $5.03
    Ise $6.04

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
  • Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
  • Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
  • Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
  • Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
  • Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
  • Zhengzhou private day tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu show: $180
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
  • Zhengzhou:Kaifeng Private Day Tour Featuring MUST-SEE Attractions: $209

Tours and Activities in Ise

Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
  • Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
  • Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
  • Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
  • Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
  • Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $4.04
    Ise $4.68


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Ise?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Ise, 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 Zhengzhou or Ise?

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 Zhengzhou or Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Zhengzhou. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Ise. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Zhengzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Ise. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Ise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Ise. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ise can be very cold. Zhengzhou can be very cold during winter. Zhengzhou is much colder than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ise during winter. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Ise. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Ise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Ise. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In the spring, Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In the spring, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Ise. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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