Budget Travel Guide
Best Budget Destinations in East Asia
8 destinations starting from $35/day. Average budget cost: $50/day.
8
Destinations
$35
Cheapest/day
$50
Average/day
East Asia blends ultra-modern cities with ancient traditions. While Tokyo and Hong Kong can be pricey, cities like Taipei and Seoul offer surprising value. The region excels at efficient public transit, incredible food scenes, and a fascinating mix of old and new.
East Asia Destinations Ranked by Budget Cost
Beijing
China
$35
budget/day
Mid-range
$105/day
Best months
Apr, May, Sep...
Top tip: Eat at small local restaurants and street stalls for $2-4
View flights & detailsShanghai
China
$41
budget/day
Mid-range
$122/day
Best months
Mar, Apr, May...
Top tip: Walk the Bund for free — best at night
View flights & detailsTaipei
Taiwan
$43
budget/day
Mid-range
$113/day
Best months
Mar, Apr, May...
Top tip: Night markets are the best and cheapest way to eat — $2-4 meals
View flights & detailsMacau
China
$43
budget/day
Mid-range
$118/day
Best months
Oct, Nov, Dec...
Top tip: Take the free casino shuttles to get around the Cotai Strip
View flights & detailsSeoul
South Korea
$51
budget/day
Mid-range
$137/day
Best months
Mar, Apr, May...
Top tip: Eat at kimbap shops and street markets for $3-5 meals
View flights & detailsHong Kong
Hong Kong
$56
budget/day
Mid-range
$164/day
Best months
Oct, Nov, Dec...
Top tip: Eat at cha chaan tengs (local cafes) for $3-5 meals
View flights & detailsOsaka
Japan
$60
budget/day
Mid-range
$157/day
Best months
Mar, Apr, May...
Top tip: Eat street food in Dotonbori — takoyaki and okonomiyaki under $5
View flights & detailsTokyo
Japan
$70
budget/day
Mid-range
$180/day
Best months
Mar, Apr, May...
Top tip: Get a 7-day Japan Rail Pass if visiting multiple cities
View flights & detailsCost Comparison Table
| # | Destination | Budget/Day | Mid/Day | Comfort/Day | Best Months | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beijing, China | $35 | $105 | $243 | Apr, May, Sep, Oct | CNY |
| 2 | Shanghai, China | $41 | $122 | $275 | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | CNY |
| 3 | Taipei, Taiwan | $43 | $113 | $253 | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov | TWD |
| 4 | Macau, China | $43 | $118 | $285 | Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, Apr | MOP |
| 5 | Seoul, South Korea | $51 | $137 | $300 | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | KRW |
| 6 | Hong Kong, Hong Kong | $56 | $164 | $380 | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | HKD |
| 7 | Osaka, Japan | $60 | $157 | $337 | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov | JPY |
| 8 | Tokyo, Japan | $70 | $180 | $405 | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov | JPY |
Plan Your East Asia Trip
Use our tools to find flights, estimate costs, and discover your perfect destination in East Asia.