An encoding apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to read predetermined unit image data that is a predetermined plurality of pixel units of image data; generate pixel unit code data obtained by encoding the read predetermined unit image data on a pixel basis; generate predetermined unit code data obtained by encoding the read predetermined unit image data on a predetermined unit basis; compare a code length that is a data amount of the pixel unit code data with a data amount of the predetermined unit image data to make determination; and output the predetermined unit code data in a case where the code length is greater than the data amount of the predetermined unit image data and output the pixel unit code data in a case where the code length is not greater than the data amount, on basis of a result of the determination.