Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Cebu?
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 Cebu or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu 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: Cebu or Kyoto?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
-
Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, 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 Cebu and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Kyoto $66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Cebu 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $208
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $104
- CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $91
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $201
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Cebu 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 dayCebu $36Kyoto $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $46
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $91
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City: Walking Tour: $22
- Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $33
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- City Sightseeing Group Tour: $40
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $45
- Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
- Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
- Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
- Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $52
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kyoto KITSUNE Nightclub Admission Ticket For Foreign: $3.42
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $3.57
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $7.99
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Kyoto Tower Entry Ticket: $12
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Kyoto Arashiyama Easy Walk Tour : $18
- Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: 3-Hour Guided Tour: $20
- Kyoto Railway Museum Advance Tickets: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Kyoto $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
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 Cebu and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu 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 Cebu or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cebu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cebu or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Kyoto. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, 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, Cebu is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Kyoto. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, 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. Cebu is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Cebu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Cebu
| Cebu | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 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 | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.