Which place is cheaper, Lima or Kyoto?
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 Kyoto or Lima?
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 Lima 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Kyoto Prices
Japan PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKyoto $118Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Kyoto is $118, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKyoto $66Lima $52
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKyoto $132Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Kyoto or Lima? 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 and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kyoto $7.82Lima $6.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- 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
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.73
-
Taxi Ride$5.73
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Assistance - Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel & Viceversa: $40
- Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
- Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $22
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $25
- Lima Airport Transfers by SUV/Van: $43
- Lima Bus Station Arrival Transfer: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 dayKyoto $43Lima $32
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
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.59
-
Ice cream$3.73
-
Coffee$3.15
-
Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kyoto $13Lima $9.15
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
-
Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKyoto $13Lima $5.95
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.71
-
Beer$4.30
-
Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Lima, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and Lima is in South America, 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kyoto Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Lima, 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 Lima?
Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kyoto or Lima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Lima. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Lima. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKyoto 27°C (81°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Lima. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Kyoto is around the same temperature as Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Lima. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKyoto 18°C (64°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kyoto is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Lima. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKyoto 5°C (40°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Kyoto during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In April, Kyoto is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In the spring, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lima. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKyoto 14°C (58°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Kyoto
| Kyoto | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.