Which place is cheaper, Kyoto 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 Kyoto?
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 Kyoto. 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 Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Kyoto? 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Kyoto $7.82
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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) $29Kyoto $43
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 Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Sushi & Tempura Cooking Class: $48
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Sushi Cooking Class (Making three types of sushi): $48
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $54
- 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
- Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class : $61
- Dinner with Maiko: $62
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $72
- Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $75
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $75
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Kyoto $13
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 Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kyoto KITSUNE Nightclub Admission Ticket For Foreign: $3.42
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $3.57
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $7.99
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Kyoto Tower Entry Ticket: $12
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Kyoto Arashiyama Easy Walk Tour : $18
- Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: 3-Hour Guided Tour: $20
- Kyoto Railway Museum Advance Tickets: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Kyoto $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $41
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $101
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $102
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $162
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Kyoto, 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Kyoto?
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 Cheju (Jeju) or Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kyoto. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Kyoto in the Autumn?
Both Kyoto and Cheju (Jeju) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Kyoto. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Kyoto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Kyoto. Additionally, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.