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Kyōto vs Tokyo

Japan vs Japan · 369 km apart

Kyōto

Japan

¥163,834 ($1,057)

single / month

Cheaper overall

Tokyo

Japan

¥189,164 ($1,220)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

Expense	Kyōto	Tokyo	Cheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	$9.92	$11.31	Kyōto
Three-course meal for two, mid-range	$39.67	$45.24	Kyōto
Cappuccino	$2.98	$3.39	Kyōto
Monthly groceries (single person)	$225	$256	Kyōto
Monthly public transport pass	$36.37	$41.47	Kyōto
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment	$95.87	$109	Kyōto
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)	$27.77	$31.67	Kyōto
Fitness club membership	$27.77	$31.67	Kyōto
Cinema ticket	$7.27	$8.29	Kyōto
One-bedroom apartment in city centre	$569	$670	Kyōto
One-bedroom apartment outside centre	$396	$466	Kyōto
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre	$1,187	$1,399	Kyōto
Total single-person budget	$1,057	$1,220	Kyōto
Average net salary	$2,850	$3,250

Verdict

Kyōto is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Kyōto runs about $1,057 versus $1,220 in Tokyo — a difference of roughly 15%.

Salary-adjusted, Tokyo leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Kyōto · Full cost of living in Tokyo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kyōto cheaper than Tokyo?

Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,057 per month in Kyōto versus $1,220 in Tokyo — about 15% less.

How far is Kyōto from Tokyo?

The straight-line distance between Kyōto and Tokyo is approximately 369 km (229 miles).

Which city has better salaries, Kyōto or Tokyo?

The estimated average net salary is $2,850 in Kyōto and $3,250 in Tokyo. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $1,793 in Kyōto versus $2,030 in Tokyo per month.