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

Should you visit Tampere 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 Tampere and Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tampere or Kyoto?

Tampere

Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.

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 Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Tampere?

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 Tampere is €172, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is €100. 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 Tampere and Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampere 80
    Kyoto 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampere 160
    Kyoto 112
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Tampere 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 Tampere


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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampere 59
    Kyoto 6.62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere

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

  • Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Tampere 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
    Tampere 57
    Kyoto 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampere

For Tampere, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tampere Food Tour Local Tastings, Meal & Rooftop City Views: $106

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.
    Tampere 24
    Kyoto 11

Tours and Activities in Tampere

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.

  • Tampere Scenic Bike Tour with Sauna and Local Flavors: $106

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
    Tampere 10
    Kyoto 11

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 Tampere and Kyoto, we can see that Tampere is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tampere is in Europe 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 Tampere would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampere 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 Tampere Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tampere or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Tampere 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 Tampere or Kyoto?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tampere or Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Tampere is much colder than Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampere this time of the year. In the summer, Tampere often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Tampere usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampere 16°C (61°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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 the autumn, Tampere is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampere in October average around 5°C (42°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Tampere usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampere 5°C (42°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Tampere during the winter are popular places to visit. 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. Tampere can be very cold during winter. In January, Tampere is generally much colder than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around -7°C (19°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampere -7°C (19°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Kyoto. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

The weather in Tampere can be very cold. Tampere is much colder than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Tampere usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during spring. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tampere usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampere 3°C (38°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Tampere

Tampere Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec -4°C (24°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)