Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Airlie Beach. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach?
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.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, in Queensland, offers the closest port to the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It's a small town of only 25,000 and has grown out of the area's popularity as a tourist destination. It's main industry remains tourism and, as such, there are many venues set up to accommodate travelers hoping to make trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The town has the feel of a vacation destination. While in the past Airlie Beach appealed specifically to the backpacker crowd, it's popularity has spread and now there are facilities catering to all travel types. The area has become more commercialized and there are plenty of large resorts to choose from. Even so, you'll still find no shortage of affordable accommodation around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.
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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesAirlie Beach Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Airlie Beach $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $165. 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Airlie Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Airlie Beach $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Airlie Beach $118
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Airlie Beach
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach? 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: Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Airlie Beach $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:
- Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $17
- Airport Transfer to Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $32
- Established Return Airport Transfer Proserpine to Airlie Beach: $28
- One Way Airport Transfer: Proserpine-Airlie Beach (or vice versa): $17
- Private Transfer to/from Shute Harbour: $134
- Private Transfer to/from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $148
- Whitsundays: Airport Transfer to/from Airlie Beach: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach?
Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Cheju (Jeju) 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 dayCheju (Jeju) $29Airlie Beach $55
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.44
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.
- 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $82
- Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $83
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Airlie Beach $161
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
Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:
- Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours: $20
- 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $45
- Roundtrip Tour to Cedar Creek.: $45
- Sundowner Sunset Cruise Airlie Beach: $46
- Whisper Cruises - One-Hour Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise: $46
- Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $46
- Airlie Beach Trike Tours: $50
- Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise: $57
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $59
- Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $59
- #1 Sightseeing Explorer 3hr tour.: $62
- Half Day Turtle Tour Sea Kayaking Adventure: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Airlie Beach $9.06
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cheju (Jeju) is in Asia and Airlie Beach 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 Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach than you might in Cheju (Jeju).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Airlie Beach is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cheju (Jeju) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Airlie Beach. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.
Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
Airlie Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Airlie Beach 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Airlie Beach. Additionally, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Airlie Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Airlie Beachin April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach in the Winter?
Both Airlie Beach and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much colder than Airlie Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Airlie Beach 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Airlie Beach in the Spring?
Both Airlie Beach and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Airlie Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun.
Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in April than Airlie Beachin October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Airlie Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 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.