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

Should you visit Kyoto or Havana?

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 Havana 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Kyoto or Havana? 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 Havana


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.
    Kyoto $7.56
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Chubu Centrair Airport to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $572
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $327
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
  • Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $274
  • Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $230
  • Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $505
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $327
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $141
  • Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $229
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $110

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $10

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

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kyoto $13
    Havana $11

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: $2.15
  • Kyoto Tower Admission Ticket: $6.14
  • Audio guide tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace & surroundings: $6.54
  • Nijo Castle & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Auidio Guide Tour: $6.54
  • Audio Guide Tour through Gion: Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji: $6.54
  • Audio Guide Tour of Kinkaku-ji & Ryōan-ji Areas ~ Zen Echoe: $6.54
  • Audio Guide Tour: Unveiling Kyoto Station Surroundings: $6.54
  • Audio Guide Tour Sanjusangen-do & Chishaku-in: $6.54
  • Arashiyama: Self-Guided Audio Tour through History & Nature: $6.54
  • Kyoto Gion Night Walking Tour. Up to 6 people!: $6.54
  • Ninnaji Temple Entry Ticket: $7.19
  • Kyoto self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $8.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kyoto $12
    Havana $5.76

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Havana, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Havana, 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 Havana?

Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Kyoto is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Havana. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Kyoto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In October, Kyoto is generally cooler than Havana. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Havana. The winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Kyoto is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In January, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Havana. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Havana. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In the spring, Kyoto is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Kyoto

Kyoto Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)