Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Zhengzhou?
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 Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou and Osaka can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Osaka?
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.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Zhengzhou Prices
China PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $65Osaka $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $65, 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 Zhengzhou and Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $21Osaka $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $42Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhengzhou $14Osaka $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $73
- Airport Transfer!Hotel in center of Osaka to Kansai Airport (KIX): $192
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $258
- Itami Airport(ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto: $42
- Japan Railway Station Shared Arrival Transfer : Shin Osaka Station to Osaka City: $71
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka to Shin Osaka Station: $70
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $282
- Kansai Airport（KIX） to or from Osaka Kyoto Private Transfer: $62
- Kansai Intl. Airport (KIX) Private Transfer to/from Osaka: $80
- Osaka : Private One-way Transfers to/from Kansai Airport(KIX): $59
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhengzhou $36Osaka $45
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
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
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $5.03Osaka $21
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
- Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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:
- Osaka Shinsaibashi: AMMONA Nightclub Entry Ticket (For Foreign): $6.83
- Osaka Dotonbori: GIRAFFE Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- Osaka Umeda: OWL Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM Live Show & Nightclub Admission Tickets: $6.88
- Osaka Food Quest: Self-Guided Culinary & History Adventure: $7.16
- HEP Ferris Wheel Osaka Entry Ticket: $11
- Osaka Castle Entry Ticket: $13
- Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $13
- Osaka Hidden Gems Tour: Tennoji & Oldest Temple with Audio Guide: $14
- Osaka Oracle GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $14
- Osaka Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory ETicket: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $4.04Osaka $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 Zhengzhou and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 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 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou or Osaka?
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 Zhengzhou or Osaka in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Osaka. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Osaka in the Autumn?
Both Osaka and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Zhengzhou is cooler than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In October, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Osaka. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Zhengzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much colder than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Osaka in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Osaka. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city.
In April, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Osaka. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (47°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.