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

Should you visit Kyoto or Benxi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Benxi 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: Kyoto or Benxi?

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.

Benxi

Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto is $118, while the average daily cost in Benxi 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 Kyoto and Benxi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kyoto $66
    Benxi $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kyoto $132
    Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Benxi

Looking for a hotel in Kyoto or Benxi? 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 Kyoto


Hotels in Benxi


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kyoto $7.82
    Benxi $32

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 Kyoto or Benxi?

Prices for flights to both Benxi and Kyoto 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
    Kyoto $43
    Benxi $53

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.
    Kyoto $13
    Benxi $7.41

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 day
    Kyoto $13
    Benxi $7.81

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 Kyoto and Benxi, we can see that Benxi 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 Kyoto Expensive? and Is Benxi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Benxi?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Benxi. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Benxi, 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 Kyoto or Benxi?

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 Kyoto or Benxi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Benxi. The summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Benxi in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Benxi this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Benxi during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.

Benxi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Benxi. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F) 
    Benxi 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Benxi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Benxi. 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, Kyoto is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Benxi averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. In the autumn, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Benxi. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Benxi in the Winter?

Both Benxi and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Benxi can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. In January, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Benxi fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Benxi during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Benxi. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F) 
    Benxi -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Kyoto or Benxi in the Spring?

Both Benxi and Kyoto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kyoto is a little warmer than Benxi in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Benxi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Benxi. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Benxi and Kyoto

Kyoto Benxi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) -10°C (14°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) -7°C (20°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in) 11°C (51°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -7°C (20°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)