Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Tianjin?
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 Tianjin or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin 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: Tianjin or Kyoto?
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
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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Tianjin Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $92Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, 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 Tianjin and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $35Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $70Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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.Tianjin $37Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beijing Airport Transfer from Tianjin International Cruise Port: $130
- Beijing Daxing or Capital Int’l Airport Private Departure Transfer from Tianjin : $128
- Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
- Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
- Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $118
- Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
- Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
- Private One Way Tianjin Port Transfer to Beijing including Great Wall Sightseeing: $198
- Private One Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port and Beijing: $132
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Tianjin 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 dayTianjin $36Kyoto $43
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.Tianjin $10Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- Tianjin International Cruise Home Port to Beijing Airport/City Tr: $119
- Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
- Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $214
- Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
- Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
- All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
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 dayTianjin $11Kyoto $13
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 Tianjin and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Tianjin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tianjin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tianjin 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 Tianjin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Kyoto?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Kyoto. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the summer, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 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 JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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 October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 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 OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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 Tianjin can be very cold. Tianjin is much colder than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the winter, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.
Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Kyoto. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Tianjin gets 25 mm (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 AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.