A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Haifa vs. Kyoto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Haifa or Kyoto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Haifa and Kyoto. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Haifa or Kyoto?

Haifa

Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.

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 Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours in Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Haifa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $175, 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 Haifa and Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Haifa $84
    Kyoto $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Haifa $168
    Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Haifa and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Haifa 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.

Hotels in Haifa


Hotels in Kyoto


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: Haifa Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Haifa $5.57
    Kyoto $7.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $235
  • Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $199

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $108
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $83
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $115
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
  • Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
  • Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
  • Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Haifa 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 day
    Haifa $87
    Kyoto $43
Typical Food Prices in Haifa

For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.

  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
  • Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $55
  • 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
  • Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $75
  • Bento Box Cooking Class: $75
  • Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $76
  • Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class in Kyoto: $76
  • Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $76
  • Nishiki Market Walking Food Tour with Local guide: $83
  • Private Japanese Home Cooking Class in Kyoto with Michiyo: $86
  • Japanese 'Bento' cooking class in Kyoto: $89
  • Experience 'IZAKAYA' food cooking class in Kyoto: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Haifa $6.42
    Kyoto $13

Tours and Activities in Haifa

For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
  • Haifa Private Tour: $199
  • Guided Walking & Car Tour with Bahai Gardens Entry: $229
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2025 - Small Group: $255
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour: $287
  • Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
  • Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Tour to Galilee: $501
  • Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $510

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $160
  • Kyoto Private Tour with National Licensed Guide : $240
  • Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $59
  • Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $139
  • Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
  • 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $153
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
  • 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people): $188
  • 160 Years Authentic Seated Archery Experience in Kyoto: $103
  • 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with snack: $35
  • 3 Hour Vegan Walking Tour with Lunch: $139
  • 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Haifa $15
    Kyoto $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: $42
  • Kyoto Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $65
  • Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit : $141


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Haifa and Kyoto, we can see that Haifa is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Haifa is in Middle East 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 Haifa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Haifa 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 Haifa Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Haifa or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Haifa. When comparing the sizes of Haifa 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 Haifa or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Haifa experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Haifa or Kyoto in the Summer?

Both Kyoto and Haifa during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Haifa is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Haifa in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Haifa. In the summer, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Haifa usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Haifa 27°C (81°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In October, Haifa is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 24°C (75°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Haifa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Haifa gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Haifa usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Haifa 24°C (75°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Kyoto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Kyoto. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. Haifa is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Haifa gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

Haifa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Haifa usually gets more rain in January than Kyoto. Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Haifa 14°C (57°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Haifa is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Haifa in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Haifa. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Haifa gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In April, Haifa usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Haifa 19°C (66°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Haifa

Haifa Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)