A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Beijing or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Cheju (Jeju) 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: Beijing or Cheju (Jeju)?

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Beijing?

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 Beijing is $91, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Beijing and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beijing $40
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beijing $80
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Beijing


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beijing $7.83
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.78
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $7.01
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.41
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.24
  • Metro
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
  • Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
  • 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
  • 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
  • 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
  • 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
  • Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $80
  • Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $79
  • Beijing Acrobatics Show And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $299
  • Beijing Airport Transfer: $21
  • Beijing Airport Transfer From Beijing Downtown Hotel: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
  • Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Beijing 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
    Beijing $34
    Cheju (Jeju) $29
Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.84
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $7.01
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.80
  • Watermelon
    $1.96
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $17
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
  • Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private : $55
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
  • Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
  • Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
  • Beijing Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Tour: $68
  • Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
  • Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $72

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.44
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beijing $24
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.41
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $60
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.81
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $17
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $17
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $11

Tours and Activities in Beijing

Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
  • Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
  • Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
  • Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
  • Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
  • Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.79
  • Tiananmen Square Forbidden City and Jingshan Park Ticket or Tours: $4.00
  • Beijing Forbidden City,Tianmen Square Admission Tickets: $4.00
  • Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional): $4.21
  • Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square Walking Tour: $4.38
  • The Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $4.38
  • Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours: $4.38

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
  • Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
  • Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
  • Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
  • Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
  • Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beijing $12
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Private Beijing Hutong Night Foodie and Bar Crawl Tour: $98
  • Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238


When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beijing or Cheju (Jeju)?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Beijing or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Beijing or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beijing 27°C (80°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Beijing is generally cooler than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beijing 14°C (56°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Cheju (Jeju). Many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. Beijing is much colder than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beijing -4°C (26°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Cheju (Jeju). Most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Beijing is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beijing 14°C (57°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Beijing

Beijing Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (26°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 26 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -1°C (29°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)