Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Jerusalem?
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 Jerusalem or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Kyoto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Kyoto?
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
-
Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $159Kyoto $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $159, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $111. 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 Jerusalem and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $78Kyoto $62
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $156Kyoto $124
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $8.18Kyoto $7.35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Local Bus$3.85
-
Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Beit She’an Border: $210
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Amman with VIP Service: $175
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $183
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $77
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $106
- Kyoto Station to Kyoto City Private Transfer: $122
- Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $123
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $123
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $126
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $138
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $153
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Jerusalem 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 dayJerusalem $67Kyoto $40
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Orange Juice$3.26
-
Watermelon$4.90
-
Lunch$14
-
Food at Market$19
-
Juice$3.26
-
Bagels$9.79
-
Lunch for 2$18
-
Snacks$6.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Mahane Yehuda Market Walking Food Tour in Jerusalem: $63
- Mahane Yehuda Market Guided Food Tour: $89
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
- Christmas Eve Jerusalem and Bethlehem with Dinner from Jerusalem: $180
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $231
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour Hidden Tastings and Local Insights: $41
- Kyoto Izakaya Hopping: Pontocho & Gion Local Food Tour: $47
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings: $52
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class Okonomiyaki and Japanese Cuisines: $52
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $59
- Japanese Cooking Class: $60
- T9 Kyoto Night Food Tour in Gion and Pontocho: $64
- Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host: $69
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $70
- Dinner with Maiko: $70
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $70
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $10Kyoto $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Cooking Classes for 2$41
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
- In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Tram Tour of The Old City of Jerusalem: $30
- Old City Highlights Tour: $39
- Old City Morning Tour: $39
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Jerusalem Jewish Orthodox Neighborhood Walking Tour: $49
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $1.15
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Kyoto Self Guided Walking Tour Gion Alleys with Audio and Quiz: $6.59
- Tea Ceremony Experience (includes Matcha grinding demonstration): $8.25
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Ticket 360 Degree Observation Deck Kyoto: $10
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- Kyoto Hanafuda Card Game Experience with Local English Learners: $13
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $15
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto: $16
- Ticket to Sake Tasting Night in Fushimi: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $19Kyoto $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Beer$5.88
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Nightlife Pub Crawl with Drinks and Karaoke: $27
- Kyoto's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $40
- Kyoto Night Pub Crawl: Pontocho & Gion Hidden Alley Bars Tour: $41
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes 4 sake tastings): $81
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $83
- Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkey or Local Mountain Brewery: $88
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $95
- Hidden Bar Crawl in Pontocho & Gion (Food & Drink Incl.): $105
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $110
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $156
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Kyoto, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Kyoto is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem than you might in Kyoto.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Jerusalem or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Jerusalem is cooler than Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Kyoto. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Jerusalem is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.