Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guangzhou or Kyoto?
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 Guangzhou and Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $89Kyoto $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $96. 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 Guangzhou and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $57Kyoto $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $114Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Kyoto $7.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $86
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou central to Guangzhou Airport (CAN): $86
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Chubu Centrair Airport to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $553
- From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $316
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
- Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $264
- Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $222
- Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $292
- Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $504
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $316
- Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $212
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $136
- Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $221
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Guangzhou 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
-
Food Meals for one dayGuangzhou $19Kyoto $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $40
- Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $41
- Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $45
- Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
- Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $59
- Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $59
- Japanese Cooking Class: $60
- Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $62
- Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $63
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $66
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $66
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Arashiyama self guided tour app multilingual audio guide: $2.14
- Kyoto Tower Admission Ticket: $6.13
- Audio Guide Tour of Kinkaku-ji & Ryōan-ji Areas ~ Zen Echoe: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour Sanjusangen-do & Chishaku-in: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour through Gion: Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour: Unveiling Kyoto Station Surroundings: $6.32
- Nijo Castle & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Auidio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Arashiyama: Self-Guided Audio Tour through History & Nature: $6.32
- Audio guide tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace & surroundings: $6.32
- Ninnaji Temple Entry Ticket: $6.95
- Kyoto self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $8.56
- Kyoto Gion Night Walking Tour: $9.47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Kyoto $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
- Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $80
- Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $83
- Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $97
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $153
- Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $181
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $189
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
- Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
- Kyoto Nightlife: Local Bar Crawl Experience: $435
When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Guangzhou or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Kyoto. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Guangzhou is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Kyoto. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.