Travel Budget for East Asia

Daily travel costs in East Asia range from about $89/day (mid-range in Xi'an) to $176/day (in Tokyo). The regional average is around $126–$141 per person per day at mid-range level.

Xi'an in China is the most affordable city in East Asia, with mid-range daily costs starting at around $89 per person. Budget travelers can spend as little as $29/day.

Tokyo in Japan is the most expensive destination in East Asia, with mid-range daily costs up to $176 per person. Luxury travel there can reach $520/day.

Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but budget travel is very achievable. Hostels and capsule hotels run $25–40 per night, convenience store meals cost $3–6, and the Japan Rail Pass reduces transport costs significantly. A reasonable daily budget is $60–90 for a mid-range traveler.

China offers excellent value outside of Shanghai and Beijing. Budget travelers can manage on $30–50 per day in second- and third-tier cities, while first-tier cities require $50–80. Domestic trains are affordable and efficient, and street food meals rarely exceed $2–4.

Mainland China and Mongolia are generally the cheapest destinations in East Asia for daily travel costs. China in particular offers very low food and transport costs outside major cities, while Mongolia is affordable if you join group tours to the countryside rather than arranging private transport.

South Korea is moderately cheaper than Japan, particularly for food and accommodation. Budget meals in Korea run $4–7, guesthouses cost $20–35 per night, and the Seoul metro is one of the most affordable urban transit systems in the developed world. Overall, expect to spend about 15–25% less per day than in Japan.