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

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.


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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kyoto is $108, while the average daily cost in Lima is $97. 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 person
    Kyoto $60
    Lima $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kyoto $120
    Lima $106
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.

Hotels in Kyoto


Hotels in Lima


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 $7.16
    Lima $6.21

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 Kansai International airport: $104
  • Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $120
  • Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $120
  • Kyoto Station to Kyoto City Private Transfer: $120
  • Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $136
  • Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $152
  • Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $163
  • Osaka Hotel Private Transfer to or from Kyoto Hotel: $206
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $220

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.88
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.88
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Airport Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport LIM to Lima by Sedan: $51
  • Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
  • From Lima Private transfer to Paracas: $290
  • Guided Assistance -Hassle-free service -Airport -Hotel transfers: $30
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
  • Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
  • Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $160
  • Lima Airport : Bus transfer to/from Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco: $11
  • Lima Airport Departure Transfer: $22
  • Lima Airport One Way Private Transfer LIM to Lima City Center: $12
  • Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Car: $45

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 day
    Kyoto $39
    Lima $33

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: $45
  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
  • Future Train Kyoto Diner & Cafe Night Parade Dinner Party: $50
  • Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings: $50
  • Kyoto Home Cooking Class: Okonomiyaki & Japanese Cuisines: $50
  • Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $58
  • Japanese Cooking Class: $58
  • T9 Kyoto Night Food Tour in Gion and Pontocho: $64
  • Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host: $68
  • Dinner with Maiko: $69
  • Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $69

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.71
  • Ice cream
    $3.82
  • Coffee
    $3.23
  • Donut
    $1.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Food tours on the forbidden side of Lima (Min. 3 Guests – Max. 6): $5.00
  • Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
  • Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
  • #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
  • Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
  • Private Churros Cooking Class, Miraflores & Hotel Pickup: $50
  • Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50
  • Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
  • Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
  • Dinner at the Cala Restaurant in Lima: $63
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kyoto $12
    Lima $9.38

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: $1.14
  • Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Kyoto KITSUNE Nightclub Admission Ticket For Foreign: $6.30
  • Kyoto Self Guided Walking Tour Gion Alleys with Audio and Quiz: $6.53
  • Tea Ceremony Experience (includes Matcha grinding demonstration): $8.00
  • Nidec Kyoto Tower Ticket 360 Degree Observation Deck Kyoto: $10
  • Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $12
  • 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

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)
    $18
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.50

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Miraflores Guided Walking Tour and Surquillo Market Experience: $5.00
  • Adventure at the Airport of Peru: $10
  • Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
  • Historic Lima & Catacombs Tour with Optional Pickup: $19
  • Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
  • Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $20
  • Huaca Pucllana Tour: $20
  • Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
  • Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
  • A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
  • Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $21
  • Barranco Street Art Tour - Unmasked: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kyoto $11
    Lima $6.10

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: $26
  • Kyoto's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $39
  • Kyoto Night Pub Crawl: Pontocho & Gion Hidden Alley Bars Tour: $41
  • Fushimi Sake Discovery Tour Tasting and Brewery Visit: $74
  • Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes 4 sake tastings): $79
  • 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $81
  • Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkey or Local Mountain Brewery: $85
  • Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $94
  • Hidden Bar Crawl in Pontocho & Gion (Food & Drink Incl.): $105
  • Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $107
  • Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
  • Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.91
  • Beer
    $4.41
  • Cocktail
    $3.53

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
  • Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
  • Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
  • Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
  • Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima: $139


When comparing the travel costs between Kyoto and Lima, we can see that Kyoto 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 Lima is in South America, 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 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 July
    Kyoto 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 October
    Kyoto 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 January
    Kyoto 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 April
    Kyoto 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)