A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. San Diego for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Kyoto or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Diego

San Diego is a energetic, relaxed, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or San Diego?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Diego than Kyoto, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Diego is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Kyoto is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. San Diego is more touristy than Kyoto and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Kyoto different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Diego and Kyoto. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kyoto or San Diego?

Kyoto is renowned for its historical sights. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kyoto are world-renowned. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

San Diego offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Is the Food Better in Kyoto or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kyoto is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kyoto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in San Diego know how to have a good time. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Kyoto is not a live music destination.

San Diego has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its resorts. However, Kyoto is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Kyoto is not a resort destination.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is renowned for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

San Diego is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is renowned for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or San Diego?

Kyoto is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Kyoto is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Diego is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and San Diego are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

San Diego is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Is Kyoto or San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kyoto is great for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Kyoto can get you around easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Kyoto or San Diego a more walkable city?

Kyoto is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or San Diego?

In either Kyoto or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Kyoto because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Kyoto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto than San Diego if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kyoto.

One day in Kyoto or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In San Diego, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this hip destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kyoto or San Diego?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Kyoto. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

San Diego is a fun place to experience. In San Diego, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kyoto or San Diego?

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxed destination of San Diego. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and San Diego is in North 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 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 Kyoto Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or San Diego?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kyoto is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and San Diego. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kyoto is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than San Diego. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Kyoto is cooler than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than San Diego. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Kyoto