A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Gothenburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kyoto or Gothenburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Gothenburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Kyoto or Gothenburg?

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.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Kyoto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kyoto is $96, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $98. 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 Kyoto and Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kyoto $63
    Gothenburg $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kyoto $126
    Gothenburg $80
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Kyoto or Gothenburg? 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.

Hotels in Kyoto


Hotels in Gothenburg


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 and Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kyoto $7.56
    Gothenburg $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $69
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $69
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $80
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $110
  • Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $229
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $141
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $327
  • Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $505
  • Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $230
  • Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $274

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Gothenburg Airport Transfers : Gothenburg to Airport GOT in Luxury Van: $153
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $111
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $120
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $509

Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg and Kyoto 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 day
    Kyoto $24
    Gothenburg $38

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: $41
  • Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $46
  • Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $47
  • Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
  • Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $58
  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
  • Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $61
  • Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $61
  • Japanese Cooking Class: $62
  • Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $64
  • Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
  • Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kyoto $13
    Gothenburg $16

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Walking Historic Gion Tour in Kyoto Geisha Spotting Area: $300
  • Bar Hopping Private Tour in Kyoto: $48
  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $154
  • Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $134
  • "Unlock Kyoto's Charm: Government-Certified Group Tour: $90
  • 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $174
  • 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $39
  • 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $66
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $588
  • 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $67
  • 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $120
  • 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $131

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $37
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kyoto $12
    Gothenburg $21

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
  • Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $40
  • Sake Brewery &Great Yakitori Experience: $78
  • Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $82
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $84
  • Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $85
  • Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $100
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $159
  • Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $187
  • Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
  • Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $196
  • Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223


When comparing the travel costs between Kyoto and Gothenburg, we can see that Gothenburg 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. Even though Kyoto is in Asia and Gothenburg is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kyoto Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Gothenburg?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Gothenburg, 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 Kyoto or Gothenburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kyoto or Gothenburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Gothenburg. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kyoto is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Gothenburg. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

Both Gothenburg and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Gothenburg in the Winter?

Both Gothenburg and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Kyoto is much warmer than Gothenburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Gothenburg. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Gothenburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Gothenburg. The spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kyoto is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Kyoto

Kyoto Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)