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

Should you visit Tbilisi or Kyoto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tbilisi 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: Tbilisi or Kyoto?

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of the country of Georgia. Its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." Tbilisi’s eternal charms of a dramatic setting in the deep valley of the swift Mtkvari River, picturesque architecture, an ever-lively arts and cultural scene, and the welcoming Georgian lifestyle have been added a whole new 21st-century dimension of inviting cafes and restaurants serving ever better food, up-to-date lodgings from backpacker hostels to international five-stars, interesting bars and clubs, spruced-up museums, galleries, parks, plazas and whole streets, modernized transport and a sprinkling of eye-catching contemporary architecture. The mix of modern and ancient elements makes Tbilisi the beating heart of the South Caucasus and it is well worth a visit.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Tbilisi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tbilisi is $29, 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 Tbilisi and Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tbilisi $13
    Kyoto $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tbilisi $26
    Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Tbilisi and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi 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 Tbilisi


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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tbilisi $6.20
    Kyoto $7.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi

Also for Tbilisi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 24/7 Private Transfer from/to Tbilisi Airport : $43
  • 24/7 Taxi Airport Shuttle and Transfer Private Service: $14
  • 3-Day Tbilisi & Mtskheta Discovery + Airport Transfers: $159
  • 4 Days Private Tour in Georgia With Free Airport Transfers: $237
  • Airport transfer by Visit-geo: $16
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi Hotel : $41
  • Batumi airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $16
  • Borjomi to Tbilisi Airport Transfer: $66
  • Comfortable transfer from Tbilisi Airport: $54
  • Comfortable,fast and safe private transfer from airport: $30
  • From Transfer to Gudauri Ski Resort: $54
  • From Tbilisi:Private Transfer service To Batumi: $242

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $68
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $79
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $109
  • 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
  • Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $296
  • Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $230

Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Tbilisi 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
    Tbilisi $8.03
    Kyoto $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tbilisi

For Tbilisi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Natural Wine Degustation and Tasting with Georgian Dinner Option: $20
  • Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi: $24
  • Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri: $25
  • Adjarian Khachapuri Making Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Traveling Spoon Georgian Dumplings Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Cooking Class with a Local Family: $49
  • Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour with 9 Tastings and Wine: $70
  • Full Day Tbilisi Tour with Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Activity: $95
  • In Georgian Cooking Masterclass by Local: $102
  • Half-Day Food Tour of Tbilisi Dezerter's Bazaar: $125
  • Private Cooking Class with a Georgian Grandmother in Tbilisi: $130

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: $46
  • Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
  • Japanese Cooking Class: $61
  • Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $61
  • Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $61
  • Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $63
  • Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
  • Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $64
  • Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $65
  • Kyoto near Fushimiinari : Wagashi(Japanese sweets)Cooking Class : $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tbilisi $15
    Kyoto $13

Tours and Activities in Tbilisi

For Tbilisi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line: Experimentorium Ticket: $5.45
  • Virtual tour to Georgia: $10
  • Walking Tour in Old Tbilisi - Group Tour: $12
  • Highlands Tour: Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Zhinvali: $12
  • Exploring Tbilisi Walking Tour: $12
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour in Tbilisi: $13
  • Afternoon Walking tour of Old Town: $13
  • Tbilisi Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Underground Printing House Museum Tour in Tbilisi: $14
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Tbilisi City Tour: $15
  • Revolutionary Tbilisi Walking Tour: $15

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
  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $151
  • 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $171
  • 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $39
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $588
  • 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $66
  • 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $120
  • 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $131
  • 3 Hour Private Bar Hopping Experience at Kyoto City: $39
  • 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $86
  • 3-Hour Japanese Sake Breweries Tour in Fushimi Kyoto: $107
  • 4 hours private tour of Kyoto: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tbilisi $18
    Kyoto $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tbilisi:

  • 3 Hours Walk Around Wine Tasting of 12 Different Wines in Tbilisi: $10
  • Tbilisi.First impression of Tbilisi-evening walking,wine tasting: $11
  • One-day tour of Kakheti from Tbilisi, free wine tasting: $14
  • Tbilisi Walking Tour Including Wine Tasting Cable Car and Bakery: $14
  • Tbilisi Walking Tour with Cable Cars, Wine Tasting and Traditional Bakery: $15
  • Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $15
  • Full Day Wine Tour Bodbe , Sighnaghi , Telavi: $16
  • Wine Tasting Feel the Difference of Qvevri or Classical Wine: $16
  • Kakheti Wine Tour, Кахетия -Винный Тур: $19
  • Kakheti: Sighnaghi city of love, Bodbe, Telavi, Free wine tasting: $19
  • Full Day Bodbe Sighnaghi and Telavi Wine Tasting Tour: $20
  • Whole day Wine Tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi: $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sake Brewery &Great Yakitori Experience: $78
  • Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $82
  • 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): $196
  • Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
  • Kyoto Nightlife: Local Bar Crawl Experience: $438


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tbilisi and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Tbilisi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tbilisi 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 Tbilisi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tbilisi 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 Tbilisi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tbilisi Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Tbilisi. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi 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.