Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Guangzhou Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $104Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $104, 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 Guangzhou and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $58Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $116Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou 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.Guangzhou $14Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Chimelong International Circus Ticket with Transfer: $80
- Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
- Guangzhou Airport & Train Station Private Transfer English Driver: $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- 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
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Guangzhou 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 dayGuangzhou $34Kyoto $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
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.Guangzhou $18Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou：New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
- 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.18
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.72
- Discover Private Tour of Culture, Food & Pearl River: $6.99
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Private Guangzhou Tour with Comfortable Transportation: $16
- Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
- Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
- Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
- Chen Clan Academy In-Depth 2-Hour Guided Tour: $31
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Kyoto $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 comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou or Kyoto?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Guangzhou or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Kyoto. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Guangzhou is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Kyoto. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Kyoto. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.