Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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: Hangzhou or Kyoto?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.Hangzhou $8.24Kyoto $7.82
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
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 Hangzhou or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $31Kyoto $43
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
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.Hangzhou $20Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
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 dayHangzhou $10Kyoto $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Kyoto?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 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 JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, 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 the autumn, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 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 OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Kyoto. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.