Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xiamen and Kyoto 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: Xiamen or Kyoto?
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Xiamen Prices
China PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $84Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $84, 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 Xiamen and Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $31Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $62Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen 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.Xiamen $6.08Kyoto $7.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- 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 hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto and Xiamen 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 dayXiamen $46Kyoto $43
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.Xiamen $16Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sailing & Sea Experience.: $22
- Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple & Luoyang Bridge Tour: $70
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- Shanghai Metro Tour: $127
- Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $132
- Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $135
- Tour Guide and Car: Private Day Tour to Yunshuiyao Ancient Village from Xiamen: $140
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Explore Nara in a Day Van Tour from Kyoto: $164
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $158
- Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $58
- Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $138
- Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
- 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $150
- 1 Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kyoto: $211
- 1-Day Kyoto Uji & Nara Tour with Tea Ceremony: $126
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $44
- 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $70
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Kyoto $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 Xiamen and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Xiamen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Xiamen during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In July, Xiamen is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Kyoto. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Xiamen is a little warmer than Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Xiamen is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).
Xiamen usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In April, Xiamen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Kyoto | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 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.