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

Should you visit Lahore or Kyoto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lahore and Kyoto. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lahore or Kyoto?

Lahore

As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Lahore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $96. 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 Lahore and Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lahore $37
    Kyoto $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lahore $74
    Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Lahore or Kyoto? 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 Lahore


Hotels in Kyoto


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: Lahore Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lahore $9.98
    Kyoto $7.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore

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

  • Airport Transfer : $60
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
  • Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Chubu Centrair Airport to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $553
  • Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $504
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $316
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $316
  • Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $292
  • Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $264
  • Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $222
  • Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $221
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $212
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $136
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Lahore 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
    Lahore $14
    Kyoto $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore

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

  • Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
  • Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
  • Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299

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: $40
  • Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $41
  • Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $45
  • Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
  • Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $59
  • Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $59
  • Japanese Cooking Class: $60
  • Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $62
  • Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $63
  • Bento Box Cooking Class: $66
  • Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lahore $5.08
    Kyoto $13

Tours and Activities in Lahore

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

  • Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
  • Lahori Food Experience: $65
  • Wahga Border Flag Ceremony & Shalimar Garden Private Tour: $70
  • Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
  • Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
  • Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
  • Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
  • Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
  • Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120
  • 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
  • Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
  • Private Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide: $120

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

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

  • Bar Hopping Private Tour in Kyoto: $48
  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $149
  • "Unlock Kyoto's Charm: Government-Certified Group Tour: $90
  • 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $169
  • 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $38
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $568
  • 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $32
  • 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $116
  • 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $126
  • 3 Hour Private Bar Hopping Experience at Kyoto City: $39
  • 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $84
  • 3-Hour Japanese Sake Breweries Tour in Fushimi Kyoto: $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lahore $4.89
    Kyoto $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

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

  • Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
  • Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $80
  • Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $83
  • Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $97
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $153
  • Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $181
  • Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $189
  • Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
  • Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
  • Kyoto Nightlife: Local Bar Crawl Experience: $435


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lahore and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Lahore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lahore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lahore 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto than you might in Lahore.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lahore Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lahore or Kyoto?

Lahore has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Lahore and Kyoto, 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 Lahore or Kyoto?

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 Lahore or Kyoto in the Summer?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Lahore. In the summer, Lahore is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lahore in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the summer, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Lahore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lahore usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lahore 33°C (91°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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.

In October, Lahore is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Lahore usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lahore 27°C (81°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Kyoto in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. Lahore is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the winter, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

Lahore usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lahore 14°C (58°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Kyoto. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lahore is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lahore in April average around 28°C (83°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lahore usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lahore 28°C (83°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Lahore

Lahore Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 28°C (83°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 35°C (96°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 202 mm (8 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 16°C (60°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)