Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Turku?
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 Turku or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Kyoto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Turku or Kyoto?
Turku
Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.
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 Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Turku Prices
Finland PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTurku €159Kyoto €94
The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €159, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is €94. 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 Turku and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTurku €76Kyoto €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTurku €152Kyoto €104
Compare Hotels in Turku and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Turku 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: Turku Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Turku €44Kyoto €6.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku
Also for Turku, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $96
- Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $96
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 Turku or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Turku 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 dayTurku €56Kyoto €34
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Turku €22Kyoto €11
Tours and Activities in Turku
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Turku.
- Järvelä Sauna Experience in the Turku Archipelago: $19
- Experience Turku with a local guide: $283
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTurku €12Kyoto €9.97
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 Turku and Kyoto, we can see that Turku is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Turku 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 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 Turku would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Turku 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 Turku Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Turku or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Turku. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Turku as well as Kyoto. Additionally, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Turku is much colder than Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Turku this time of the year. In the summer, Turku often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Turku usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 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 JulyTurku 16°C (61°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Turku or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Turku is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Turku in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Turku usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Turku gets 90 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, Turku usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 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 OctoberTurku 6°C (43°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Turku or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Turku during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Turku can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Turku is generally much colder than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Turku average around -6°C (20°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Turku often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.
Turku usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTurku -6°C (20°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Turku or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Kyoto. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Turku can be very cold during spring. Turku is much colder than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Turku usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during spring. Turku gets 182 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, Turku usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTurku 3°C (37°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Turku
| Turku | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (20°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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 | -3°C (27°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (58°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (51°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (25°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.