Which place is cheaper, Ulaanbaatar 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Ulaanbaatar?
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 Ulaanbaatar. 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 Ulaanbaatar?
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.
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's capital city. It has a population of slightly over two million people, or about sixty percent of the country's entire population. You are likely to arrive in Ulaanbaatar either by train, coming from China or Russia, or by plane. Many people use Ulaanbaatar as a stop off while doing the Transsiberian Railway. The city is a great place to organize a tour of the surrounding countryside. It's also good city to relax, so make sure you allow yourself a few days to recover from your tour, enjoy some of the great food options, and see some of the fascinating cultural sights around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mongolia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mongolia.
-
Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesUlaanbaatar Prices
Mongolia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Ulaanbaatar $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Ulaanbaatar is $30. 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 Ulaanbaatar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Ulaanbaatar $11
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Ulaanbaatar $22
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Ulaanbaatar
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Ulaanbaatar? 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: Ulaanbaatar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Ulaanbaatar $2.79
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 Ulaanbaatar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ulaanbaatar:
- Airport - Ulaanbaatar transfer service: $40
- Airport Private Transfer: $75
- BEST 5* Chinggis Khaan Airport UBN to Ulaanbaatar Transfer Taxi: $23
- Best Price :Terelj National Park Best Non-Guided Transfers: $36
- Chinggis Khaan Airport (UBN) Private Transfer to Ulaanbaatar City: $47
- New Ulaanbaatar International Airport Transfer Service: $45
- Private Airport Transfer taxi in Ulaanbaatar: $30
- Private Transfer Ulaanbaatar Airport UBN to Ulaanbaatar City : $51
- Private Transfer from Chinggis Khaan Airport to Ulaanbaatar: $38
- Private Transfer from Ulaanbaatar to or from Terelj National Park: $60
- Private Transfer to Ulaanbaatar Airport UBN by private Vehicule: $51
- Transfer service to Terelj national park : $51
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Ulaanbaatar?
Prices for flights to both Ulaanbaatar 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 dayCheju (Jeju) $29Ulaanbaatar $15
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ulaanbaatar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ulaanbaatar.
- Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs: $182
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Ulaanbaatar $4.24
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 Ulaanbaatar
Here are a few actual costs in Ulaanbaatar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Gobi Cashmere Flagship Store Shopping Tour: $35
- Terelj national park transport /Best price tour: $36
- Private custom walking tour with a local guide: $40
- Secrets of the Mongol Script: 1-Hour Script Experience: $49
- Genghis Khan Tour – Mongolia’s #1 Daily Escape: $50
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $52
- Ulaanbaatar Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private): $52
- From UB: Day Tour to Chinggis khaan statue and Terelj NP.: $58
- From Chinggis Khaan Statue and Turtle Rock Day Tour: $59
- Chinggis Khaan Statue and Turtle Rock Day Tour: $59
- Private Tour drive to Chinggis Khan Statue & Terelj National Park: $60
- Full Day Tour of Ulaanbaatar With Museum, Black-market Cashmere Factory Store: $62
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Ulaanbaatar $3.67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Ulaanbaatar, we can see that Cheju (Jeju) is more expensive. And not only is Ulaanbaatar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ulaanbaatar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ulaanbaatar 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) than you might in Ulaanbaatar.
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 Ulaanbaatar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Ulaanbaatar?
Ulaanbaatar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Ulaanbaatar, 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.
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.