Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guilin 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 Guilin and Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Kyoto?
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $67Kyoto $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, 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 Guilin and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $34Kyoto $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $68Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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.Guilin $5.76Kyoto $7.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
- Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
- Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
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 Guilin or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Guilin 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 dayGuilin $22Kyoto $24
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Kyoto $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terrace 4 days tour: $21
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $59
- Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $72
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $72
- Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch: $73
- Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Private Tour: $77
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.72Kyoto $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto than you might in Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin 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 Guilin or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Guilin 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, Guilin is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In July, Guilin usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Guilin 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, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Guilin usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin 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. Guilin is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In January, Guilin usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guilin 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, Guilin is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Guilin receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Kyoto. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Guilin
| Guilin | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.