Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Cebu?
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 Cebu or Auckland?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Auckland? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cebu or Auckland?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesAuckland Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Auckland $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $170. 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 Cebu and Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Auckland $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Auckland $198
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Auckland? 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Auckland $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
- Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $196
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.47
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer: Auckland Central City Centre to Auckland Airport: $25
- Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
- AKL Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $26
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $32
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $38
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $38
- Airport Private Transfer: $43
- Auckland City Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer by SUV: $48
- Auckland Cruise Port Private Transfer to City Hotels: $54
- Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $58
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland and Cebu 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 dayCebu $36Auckland $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $45
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Auckland $27
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $61
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
- Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $53
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Gallery Highlights Tour and General Admission: $22
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
- Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland : $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
- Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cebu is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Auckland?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Auckland, 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 Cebu or Auckland?
Auckland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cebu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cebu or Auckland in the Summer?
Both Auckland and Cebu during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cebu is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCebu 28°C (82°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Auckland in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cebu usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCebu 28°C (82°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Auckland in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Auckland. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Cebu is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Auckland. Cebu usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCebu 27°C (81°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Auckland in the Spring?
Both Auckland and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.
In April, Cebu usually receives less rain than Aucklandin October. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCebu 29°C (84°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Cebu
| Cebu | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.