Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Koh Samet?
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 Koh Samet or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet or Kyoto?
Koh Samet
The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?
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 Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Koh Samet Prices
Thailand PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $130Kyoto $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $130, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $109. 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 Koh Samet and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $36Kyoto $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $72Kyoto $122
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $77Kyoto $7.26
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: $105
- Kansai Airport(KIX)to/from Osaka or Kyoto Private Transfer: $108
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $121
- Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $121
- Private Transfer Kyoto Station to Kyoto City: $121
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $137
- 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 Koh Samet or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Koh Samet 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 dayKoh Samet $53Kyoto $40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Kyoto Japanese Sweets (Nerikiri) Cooking Class & Matcha tea: $24
- Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour Hidden Tastings and Local Insights: $41
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class: Okonomiyaki & Japanese Cuisines: $51
- Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings with Local Guide: $51
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $59
- Japanese Cooking Class: $59
- T9 Kyoto Night Food Tour in Gion and Pontocho: $64
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $69
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $70
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $10Kyoto $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: $3.19
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $3.54
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Family Mitsui House Museum with green tea admission ticket: $7.02
- Tea Ceremony Experience (includes Matcha grinding demonstration): $7.40
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $12
- Gion and Geisha District Walking Tour: $13
- Kyoto Hanafuda Card Game Experience with Local English Learners: $13
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Ticket to Sake Tasting Night in Fushimi: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $5.26Kyoto $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Izakaya & Pub Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $20
- Kyoto's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $32
- Fushimi Sake Discovery Tour Tasting and Brewery Visit: $75
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes tasting): $80
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $82
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $95
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $95
- Hidden Bar Crawl in Pontocho & Gion (Food & Drink Incl.): $105
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $153
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Kyoto, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Koh Samet would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samet experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samet or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during summer. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 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 JulyKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Kyoto. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, 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 the autumn, Koh Samet is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Koh Samet often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Kyoto. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 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 OctoberKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet 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. In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Koh Samet during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Koh Samet is much warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Koh Samet. In the spring, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Koh Samet gets 239 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. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.