Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Pattaya?
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 Pattaya or Cebu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Cebu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pattaya or Cebu?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.
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Pattaya Prices
Thailand PricesCebu Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $93Cebu $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $80. 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 Pattaya and Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $27Cebu $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $54Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Cebu? 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices and Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $13Cebu $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Pattaya Coral Island Tour with Indian Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $4.35
- Private Transfer between Pattaya and U Tapao Airport : $16
- The Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya Ticket & Transfer Optional: $19
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Pattaya Art in Paradise Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $22
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Private U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya Airport Transfer to Pattaya City: $25
- Private Departure Transfer from Pattaya to DMK or BKK Airport : $27
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport BKK or DMK to Pattaya Hotel: $27
- Frost Magical Ice Of Siam at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $27
- Mini Siam Miniature World Admission with Roundtrip Transfer from Pattaya: $28
- Colosseum Show Pattaya Ticket with Private Hotel Transfers: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $208
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $196
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu and Pattaya 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 dayPattaya $43Cebu $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $45
- Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $54
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $54
- Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $60
- All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $45
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $24Cebu $17
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Coral Island Speedboat Tour from Pattaya Only for Indian Tourists: $3.15
- Pattaya Floating Market Tickets: $3.19
- Pattaya Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch: $5.00
- Pattaya Floating Market Ticket with 4 Regions Thai Culture: $5.73
- Experience The Floating Market in Pattaya: $6.00
- Pool Party and Foam Experience for Indian Tourists at Pattaya : $6.41
- Pattaya Coral Islands Tour with Lunch: $8.05
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $8.51
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Tickets: $9.00
- Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $9.34
- Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $10
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $10
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $61
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
- Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $53
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $9.42Cebu $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Cebu, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Pattaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pattaya than you might in Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pattaya Expensive? and Is Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Cebu?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Cebu, 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 Pattaya or Cebu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Pattaya or Cebu in the Summer?
Both Cebu and Pattaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in July than Cebu. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Cebu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Cebu. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Pattaya is around the same temperature as Cebu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Cebu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Cebu. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
Pattaya usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Cebu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Cebu in the Spring?
Both Cebu and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. In April, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Cebu. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.