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

Should you visit Kyoto or Whitsundays?

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 Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays?

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.

Whitsundays

Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.

As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays 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 $118, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $155. 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 Whitsundays in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kyoto $66
    Whitsundays $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kyoto $132
    Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Whitsundays

Looking for a hotel in Kyoto or Whitsundays? 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 Whitsundays


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kyoto $7.82
    Whitsundays $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
  • Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
  • Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
  • Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
  • Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or Whitsundays?

Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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 $43
    Whitsundays $52

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays

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

  • Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset Dinner Cruise: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kyoto $13
    Whitsundays $25

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

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

  • Explore Nara in a Day Van Tour from Kyoto: $164
  • Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $158
  • Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $58
  • Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $138
  • Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
  • 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $150
  • 1 Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto: $211
  • 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $126
  • 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $44
  • 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $70
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629

Tours and Activities in Whitsundays

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.

  • Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure: $164
  • MILADY Whitsundays 2-Night Private Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,953

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kyoto $13
    Whitsundays $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 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


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



When is the best time to visit Kyoto or Whitsundays?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Whitsundays is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Kyoto has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kyoto or Whitsundays in the Summer?

Both Whitsundays and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as Whitsundaysin January. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin January. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun.

Whitsundays gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets less rain in July than Whitsundaysin January. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F) 
    Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Whitsundays in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Whitsundays. 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.

Kyoto is cooler than Whitsundays in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whitsundays 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 Whitsundaysin April. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Whitsundays in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Whitsundays. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kyoto can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kyoto is much colder than Whitsundays. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 16°C (62°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. In the winter, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin July. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets more rain in January than Whitsundaysin July. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F) 
    Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Whitsundays in the Spring?

Both Whitsundays 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.

In April, Kyoto is generally much colder than Whitsundaysin October. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Whitsundaysin October. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Kyoto

Kyoto Whitsundays
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 377 mm (14.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in) 23°C (73°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)