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

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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Manila?

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 Manila is $99, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $111. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $50
    Kyoto $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $100
    Kyoto $124
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.

Hotels in Manila


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: Manila Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $13
    Kyoto $7.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $150
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
  • Half Day Intramuros and Distillery Experience with Transfer: $73
  • METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $38
  • Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
  • Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $77
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $106
  • Kyoto Station to Kyoto City Private Transfer: $122
  • Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $123
  • Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $123
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $126
  • Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $138
  • Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $153
  • Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manila $29
    Kyoto $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $51
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $51
  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
  • Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
  • A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
  • Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $18
    Kyoto $13

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
  • Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

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

  • Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $1.15
  • Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Kyoto Self Guided Walking Tour Gion Alleys with Audio and Quiz: $6.59
  • Tea Ceremony Experience (includes Matcha grinding demonstration): $8.25
  • Nidec Kyoto Tower Ticket 360 Degree Observation Deck Kyoto: $10
  • Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
  • Kyoto Hanafuda Card Game Experience with Local English Learners: $13
  • Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $15
  • Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
  • Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto: $16
  • Ticket to Sake Tasting Night in Fushimi: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.21
    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:

  • 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


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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 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)