It depends on where you base yourself around Shin-Osaka station. We stayed less than a hundred meters from its East gate, with convenience stores and small eateries almost next door. The frequent regular and Shinkansen trains to Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, and the Osaka/Umeda areas were quick and easy shuttle rides. All these cities' JR stations are accessible in 25 minutes or less by comfy Ltd Express trains and with hardly any walking.

It's still best to spend more for a stay around Kyoto station, if the city's sites will be the main focus.