Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manila and Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Kyoto?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $94Kyoto $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, 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 Manila and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $55Kyoto $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $110Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Manila and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Manila 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.
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: Manila Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Kyoto $7.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
- Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $67
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $107
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $136
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
- Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $212
- Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $221
- Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $222
- Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $264
- Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $292
- From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $316
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $316
- Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $504
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Manila 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 dayManila $18Kyoto $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $20Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Arashiyama self guided tour app multilingual audio guide: $2.14
- Kyoto Tower Admission Ticket: $6.13
- Audio Guide Tour of Kinkaku-ji & Ryōan-ji Areas ~ Zen Echoe: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour Sanjusangen-do & Chishaku-in: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour through Gion: Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour: Unveiling Kyoto Station Surroundings: $6.32
- Nijo Castle & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Auidio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Arashiyama: Self-Guided Audio Tour through History & Nature: $6.32
- Audio guide tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace & surroundings: $6.32
- Ninnaji Temple Entry Ticket: $6.95
- Kyoto self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $8.56
- Kyoto Gion Night Walking Tour: $9.47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.97Kyoto $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 comparing the travel costs between Manila and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Kyoto?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manila or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Kyoto. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Manila is a little warmer than Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Kyoto. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Manila or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Manila or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Manila during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Manila
| Manila | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.