Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Hefei?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hefei or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hefei 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: Hefei or Kyoto?
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
-
Hefei Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHefei $78Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Hefei is $78, 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 Hefei and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHefei $29Kyoto $66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHefei $58Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Hefei 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.Hefei $17Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Hefei 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 dayHefei $36Kyoto $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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hefei $19Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kyoto KITSUNE Nightclub Admission Ticket For Foreign: $3.42
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $3.57
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $7.99
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Kyoto Tower Entry Ticket: $12
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Kyoto Arashiyama Easy Walk Tour : $18
- Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: 3-Hour Guided Tour: $20
- Kyoto Railway Museum Advance Tickets: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHefei $11Kyoto $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hefei and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Hefei.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hefei Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hefei or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Hefei 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 Hefei 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 Hefei or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Hefei is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Hefei. In July, Hefei usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHefei 29°C (83°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Hefei during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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.
In the autumn, Hefei is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hefei in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hefei usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHefei 18°C (64°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Kyoto. Furthermore, 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 Hefei can be very cold. In January, Hefei is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 3°C (38°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In January, Hefei usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHefei 3°C (38°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Kyoto. Additionally, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Hefei is a little warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Hefei usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHefei 16°C (61°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Hefei
| Hefei | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (1 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.