Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Kyoto 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: Shenzhen or Kyoto?
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Shenzhen and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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.Shenzhen $15Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
- HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
- Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
- Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Shenzhen 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 dayShenzhen $35Kyoto $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
- Shekou Food Tour with 4 Tastings: $79
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
- Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
- Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
- Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
- Double-decker Sightseeing Bus 24-hour E PASSTicket: $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Kyoto $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46
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 Shenzhen and Kyoto, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In July, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Shenzhen gets 231 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Kyoto. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 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 JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Kyoto. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 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 OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 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. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.