Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Kyoto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kyoto or San Juan?
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 Juan 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 San Juan?
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.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Kyoto Prices
Japan PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKyoto $111San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Kyoto is $111, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKyoto $62San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKyoto $124San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Kyoto or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kyoto $7.35San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Private Transfer: Tempozan Port ↔ Kyoto: $299
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- City-to-City Transfer, from Central Kyoto to Each City in Kansai: $257
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $245
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka City Hotels: $240
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $222
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $222
- Private Transfer Between Osaka Cruise Port and Kyoto Hotels: $203
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $153
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $138
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Cruise Ships, Hotels, Airbnb in San Juan: $75
- Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- HandyCap Airport Transfer to Isla Verde, Condado or Ocean Park: $100
- HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
- Premium Transfer Service FROM or TO Rio Grande Puerto Rico: $50
- Private Luxury transfer - SJU, Hotel, Airbnb - Car seat available: $131
- Private Transfer Airport SJU to Old San Juan Vice versa One way: $65
- Private Transfer Puerto Rico:To or From Airports, Hotels &Cruises: $33
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
- Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $76
- Private Transfer from or to San Juan and Ponce: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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
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Food Meals for one dayKyoto $40San Juan $62
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: $47
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings: $52
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class Okonomiyaki and Japanese Cuisines: $52
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $59
- Japanese Cooking Class: $60
- T9 Kyoto Night Food Tour in Gion and Pontocho: $64
- Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host: $69
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $70
- Dinner with Maiko: $70
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- FlyDining: 4 Courses Dinner with City Lights & Ocean Breeze: $195
- Fly Dining 4 Course Sunset and City Light Dinner Over San Juan: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kyoto $13San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (4hours)Zero Emission Car Private Kyoto Tour with Japanese Guide: $286
- 1 Day Kansai Tour from Osaka: $60
- 1 Day Kyoto Customized Private Tour: $279
- 1 Day Matcha Farm Tour with Lunch and Bicycle Rental in Kyoto: $282
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $119
- 1.5-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Experience with Tastings & Pairings: $70
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
- 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour: $188
- 2 Hour GuidedTour of Arashiyama Highlights: $51
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with souvenir andsnack: $19
- 3 Hour Vegan Walking Tour with Lunch: $126
- 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience | Tasting Konteki: $90
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- The Ultimate Self-Guided Hidden Gems Tour in Puerto Rico: $5.00
- Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
- Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $26
- Paddleboard Adventure: Explore Marine Life in Condado Lagoon: $35
- San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $39
- Legacy Tour at Casa BACARDÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
- Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – SmallGroup Tour: $45
- Ron del Barrilito Heritage Skip-the-Line Tour: $46
- Historic Old San Juan Walking Tour with El Morro Entry: $49
- Old San Juan Guided Walking Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKyoto $12San Juan $12
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: $27
- Kyoto's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $40
- Kyoto Night Pub Crawl: Pontocho & Gion Hidden Alley Bars Tour: $41
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes 4 sake tastings): $81
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $83
- Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkey or Local Mountain Brewery: $88
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $95
- Hidden Bar Crawl in Pontocho & Gion (Food & Drink Incl.): $105
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $110
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $156
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 Juan 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 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 Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kyoto or San Juan?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and San Juan, 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 Juan?
Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kyoto or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In July, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as San Juan. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than San Juan. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKyoto 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and San Juan. 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. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kyoto is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives less rain than San Juan. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKyoto 18°C (64°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Kyoto can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kyoto is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than San Juan. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKyoto 5°C (40°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Kyoto is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than San Juan. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKyoto 14°C (58°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Kyoto
| Kyoto | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.