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

Should you visit Kyoto or Toronto?

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 Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto

The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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 Toronto is $205. 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 Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kyoto $63
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kyoto $126
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Kyoto or Toronto? 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 Toronto


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 Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kyoto $7.56
    Toronto $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $68
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $79
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $109
  • Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $229
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $141
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $327
  • Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $505
  • Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $296
  • Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $230

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

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


  • Airport Shuttle
    $27
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Car: $152
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Van: $157
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $293
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Luxury SUV: $196
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto YYZ Airport to Toronto City by Business Car: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto YYZ Airport to Toronto City by SUV or Minibus: $76
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury SUV: $174
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $152
  • Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by Business Car: $59
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Car: $152

Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto 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
    Toronto $66

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: $46
  • Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
  • Japanese Cooking Class: $61
  • Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $61
  • Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $61
  • Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $63
  • Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
  • Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
  • Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $65
  • Kyoto near Fushimiinari : Wagashi(Japanese sweets)Cooking Class : $66

Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • E-Scooter Food Tour Toronto: $45
  • Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
  • Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
  • 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $73
  • Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
  • Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
  • Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
  • Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
  • Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
  • Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $93
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kyoto $13
    Toronto $31

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Walking Historic Gion Tour in Kyoto Geisha Spotting Area: $300
  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $151
  • 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $171
  • 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $39
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $588
  • 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $66
  • 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $120
  • 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $131
  • 3 Hour Private Bar Hopping Experience at Kyoto City: $39
  • 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $86
  • 3-Hour Japanese Sake Breweries Tour in Fushimi Kyoto: $107
  • 4 hours private tour of Kyoto: $165

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.32

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
  • Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.31
  • Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour: $4.47
  • Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.47
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.47
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
  • Queen Street West: An audio tour exploring Toronto's coolest street: $5.20
  • Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Kensington Market, Chinatown and the Art Gallery of Ontario: A Self-Guided Tour: $5.99
  • Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
  • Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
  • Toronto's Waterfront: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kyoto $12
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sake Brewery &Great Yakitori Experience: $78
  • Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $82
  • 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): $196
  • Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
  • Kyoto Nightlife: Local Bar Crawl Experience: $438

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.07
  • Finest Whisky Exploration Game in Toronto Distillery District: $8.20
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
  • Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour: $21
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto: $36
  • Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $36
  • Toronto : Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $38
  • Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Toronto. The summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kyoto is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

Kyoto is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Toronto. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. In the winter, Kyoto is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Toronto. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Toronto. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Toronto. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Kyoto

Kyoto Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)