Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Dalian?
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 Dalian or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Kyoto? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Dalian or Kyoto?
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Dalian Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $124Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $124, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Dalian and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $55Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $110Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Kyoto? 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Dalian 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 dayDalian $48Kyoto $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Sushi & Tempura Cooking Class: $48
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Sushi Cooking Class (Making three types of sushi): $48
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $54
- 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
- Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class : $61
- Dinner with Maiko: $62
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $72
- Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $75
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $75
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.86Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Explore Nara in a Day Van Tour from Kyoto: $164
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $158
- Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $58
- Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $138
- Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
- 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $150
- 1 Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto: $211
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $126
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $44
- 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $70
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.41Kyoto $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $41
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $101
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $102
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $162
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Kyoto, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Kyoto?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Kyoto, 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 Dalian or Kyoto?
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 Dalian or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Kyoto. Additionally, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Dalian is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Dalian is cooler than Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Dalian during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).
Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Kyoto. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Dalian
| Dalian | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.