Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kyoto? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Kyoto?
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $64Kyoto $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, 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 Saint Petersburg and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $37Kyoto $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $74Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.42Kyoto $7.56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $69
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $69
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $80
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $110
- 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
- Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $230
- Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $274
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Saint Petersburg 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 daySaint Petersburg $19Kyoto $24
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.69
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: $47
- Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $58
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
- Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $61
- Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $61
- Japanese Cooking Class: $62
- Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $64
- Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
- Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Kyoto $13
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
- Bar Hopping Private Tour in Kyoto: $48
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $154
- Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $134
- "Unlock Kyoto's Charm: Government-Certified Group Tour: $90
- 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $174
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $39
- 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $66
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $588
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $67
- 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $120
- 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.86Kyoto $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
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $40
- Sake Brewery &Great Yakitori Experience: $78
- Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $82
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $84
- 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): $195
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $196
- Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Kyoto is in Asia, 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 Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Kyoto?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Saint Petersburg is much colder than Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Kyoto. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Kyoto. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.