Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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: Surat Thani or Kyoto?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
-
Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $70Kyoto $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $70, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $109. 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 Surat Thani and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Kyoto $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Kyoto $122
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Kyoto $7.26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $125
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Private Transfer: Tempozan Port ↔ Kyoto: $293
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- City-to-City Transfer, from Central Kyoto to Each City in Kansai: $252
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $245
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $223
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $223
- Osaka Hotel Private Transfer to or from Kyoto Hotel: $207
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $153
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $138
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $121
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $27Kyoto $40
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
-
Dinner$4.60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $50
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $52
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Kyoto Japanese Sweets (Nerikiri) Cooking Class & Matcha tea: $24
- Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour Hidden Tastings and Local Insights: $41
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class: Okonomiyaki & Japanese Cuisines: $51
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $59
- Japanese Cooking Class: $59
- T9 Kyoto Night Food Tour in Gion and Pontocho: $64
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $69
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $70
- Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class in Kyoto: $70
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $70
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.59Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $22
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $32
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $39
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $48
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $56
- Half-Day Tour: Koh Rap, Pig Island & Koh Tan By Join Speed Boat: $56
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $58
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $63
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (4hours)Zero Emission Car Private Kyoto Tour with Japanese Guide: $281
- 1 Day Kansai Tour from Osaka: $63
- 1 Day Kyoto Customized Private Tour: $279
- 1 Day Matcha Farm Tour with Lunch and Bicycle Rental in Kyoto: $281
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $118
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $54
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
- 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour: $185
- 160 Years Authentic Seated Archery Experience in Kyoto: $118
- 2 Hour GuidedTour of Arashiyama Highlights: $51
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with snack: $32
- 3 Hour Vegan Walking Tour with Lunch: $128
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.58Kyoto $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's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $32
- Fushimi Sake Discovery Tour Tasting and Brewery Visit: $75
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes 4 sake tastings): $80
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $82
- Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkey or Local Mountain Brewery: $86
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $95
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $95
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $109
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $153
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 1459640 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Kyoto. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Surat Thani during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, 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. Surat Thani is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Surat Thani usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kyoto. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.