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

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Melbourne 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $195. 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 Melbourne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
    Melbourne $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
    Melbourne $238
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Melbourne

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


Hotels in Melbourne


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: Melbourne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Melbourne $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

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

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:


  • Airport Bus
    $10
  • Tram Ride
    $2.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers & Day Tours in a Chauffeur-Driven Luxury Van: $128
  • Airport Transfers - Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne: $101
  • Airport to City Private Transfers : $128
  • Avalon Airport Transfers: $168
  • Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $178
  • CBD to Melbourne Airport Private Transfer - 11 traveler's: $129
  • Express Bus Transfer to or from Melbourne City Center: $19
  • Luxury Airport Transfer to Melbourne CBD : $85
  • Luxury Private Airport Transfer Melbourne: $104
  • MEL Airport Transfer to Melbourne CBD Private Van Hire: $201
  • MEL Airport to CBD Private transfers 4 or more: $33
  • Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport: Shared Transfer to Melbourne: $33

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

Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $29
    Melbourne $53
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

Typical Food Prices in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.62
  • Pizza
    $4.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $40
  • Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes: $51
  • Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
  • Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour: $53
  • Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $54
  • Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
  • Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
  • Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $81
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
  • Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
  • Carlton a Little Italy Dinner Tour: $93
  • Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
    Melbourne $27

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $125
  • 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
  • 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
  • 2025 Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju with UNESCO: $81
  • 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
  • 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
  • 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
  • All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
  • East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
  • East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
  • Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200

Tours and Activities in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Melbourne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.81
  • Melbourne (St Kilda) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.41
  • Melbourne City Centre Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Melbourne Vampire Quest: Self-Guided Gothic Adventure: $7.20
  • Melbourne Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.92
  • Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.92
  • Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.92
  • Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11
  • Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Upside Down House Photo Experience in Australia: $13
  • Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
    Melbourne $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $5.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Melbourne Christmas Bar Crawl: $15
  • Melbourne Pub Crawl (Batmania Tours): $19
  • Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
  • Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $24
  • Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
  • MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour: $26
  • Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
  • Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc: $87
  • New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
  • Cruise Ship Friendly Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Port Pickup: $114
  • Yarra Valley: Bus Wine Tour with Lunch and a Glass of Wine: $116
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch & Gin/Beer Option: $129


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Melbourne. Additionally, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Melbourne 20°C (68°F)

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

Both Melbourne and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally a little warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Melbourne 15°C (60°F)

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

Both Melbourne and Cheju (Jeju) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Melbournein July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Melbourne 9°C (49°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Melbourne. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Melbourne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 12°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)