A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cebu vs. Okinawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cebu or Okinawa?

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

Should I visit Cebu or Okinawa? 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 Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa or Cebu?

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 Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cebu $25
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cebu $50
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Okinawa? 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 Cebu


Hotels in Okinawa


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cebu $26
    Okinawa $9.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:

  • CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
  • Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
  • Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
  • Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
  • Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
  • Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
  • Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
  • One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
  • Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cebu $36
    Okinawa $41

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa

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

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cebu $17
    Okinawa $14

Tours and Activities in Cebu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:

  • Cebu City: Walking Tour: $21
  • Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $32
  • Adventure Hiking Trip in the City: $36
  • 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
  • City Sightseeing Group Tour: $39
  • BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
  • Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $45
  • Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
  • Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
  • Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
  • Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
  • Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $51

Tours and Activities in Okinawa

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:

  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
  • Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
  • Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
  • Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
  • Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
  • Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
  • Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour|Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cebu $14
    Okinawa $15

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa 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 Okinawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cebu or Okinawa?

Cebu has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cebu 28°C (82°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Cebu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

Cebu is a little warmer than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Okinawa. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cebu 28°C (82°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cebu is much warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cebu usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cebu 27°C (81°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Okinawa. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cebu is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cebu 29°C (84°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Cebu

Cebu Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)