Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Xigatse?
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 Xigatse 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 Xigatse 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: Xigatse or Kyoto?
Xigatse
The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Xigatse Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $84Kyoto $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $84, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $108. 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 Xigatse and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $30Kyoto $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $60Kyoto $120
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse 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.Xigatse $13Kyoto $7.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Private Transfer: Tempozan Port ↔ Kyoto: $292
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- City-to-City Transfer, from Central Kyoto to Each City in Kansai: $250
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $243
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $221
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $221
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $152
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $137
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $124
- Private Transfer Kyoto Station to Kyoto City: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Xigatse 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 dayXigatse $44Kyoto $39
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 Izakaya Hopping: Pontocho & Gion Local Food Tour: $46
- Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings: $51
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class: Okonomiyaki & Japanese Cuisines: $51
- Japanese Cooking Class: $59
- T9 Kyoto Night Food Tour in Gion and Pontocho: $64
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $70
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $70
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $70
- Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class in Kyoto: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Kyoto $12
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: $279
- 1 Day Kansai Tour from Osaka: $63
- 1 Day Matcha Farm Tour with Lunch and Bicycle Rental in Kyoto: $279
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $117
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $54
- 1.5-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Experience with Tastings & Pairings: $68
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
- 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour: $184
- 2 Hour GuidedTour of Arashiyama Highlights: $51
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with snack: $32
- 3 Hour Vegan Walking Tour with Lunch: $127
- 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience | Tasting Konteki: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.38Kyoto $11
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: $40
- Fushimi Sake Discovery Tour Tasting and Brewery Visit: $75
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes 4 sake tastings): $79
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $81
- Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkey or Local Mountain Brewery: $86
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $94
- Hidden Bar Crawl in Pontocho & Gion (Food & Drink Incl.): $105
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $108
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $152
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Xigatse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xigatse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xigatse 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 Xigatse.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xigatse Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse 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.
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.