Which place is cheaper, Nara 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 Nara?
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 Nara. 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesNara Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Nara $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Nara is $111. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Nara $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Nara $108
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Nara? 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: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Nara $6.04
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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) $29Nara $51
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 Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Handmade Soba and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $49
- Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $52
- Nara Personalized Half Day Food Tour with a Local Guide: $160
- Taste of Nara A Guided Half Day Food Tour Tailored to Your Taste: $160
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Nara $8.09
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 Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Gripped Sumi Ink Experience at a Historic Workshop in Nara: $23
- Naramachi walking tour with Local: $31
- Nara Highlight Walking Tour with Furoshiki Experience with Lunch: $35
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $45
- Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide: $69
- Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $70
- Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $74
- Nara - Highlights Bike Tour: $76
- Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available): $79
- First Time Nara Tour UNESCO Sites with Lunch and Deer Feed: $83
- Nara Todaiji Lazy Bird Walking Tour: $92
- Nara World Heritage PRIVATE TOUR: $102
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Nara $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Nara?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Nara, 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 Nara?
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 Nara in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Nara. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nara 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 more rain than Nara. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Nara. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Nara. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nara. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nara can be very cold during winter. Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Nara during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Nara. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Nara. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 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.