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

Should you visit Taiyuan or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Taiyuan and Cheju (Jeju). 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: Taiyuan or Cheju (Jeju)?

Taiyuan

With sleek architectural designs and blossoming businesses, this metropolis is simply brimming with invigorating excitement and once-in-a-lifetime entertainment. Despite its glimmering skyscrapers and gorgeous fountains, Taiyuan, China has an extensive history of nearly 2,500 years. During ancient China, Taiyuan, or the "Dragon City," was a major military town. Presently, this city is now one of China's most important industrial cities, producing more than half of the national coal mining output. Taiyuan is both the capital and largest city of the Shanxi province of North China. It is bounded by mountains on three of its sides, allowing this great city to be surrounded by fantastic views of its landscape. Besides its economic significance, Taiyuan also achieves tourist significance due to its plethora of landmarks and sights. Some of these attractions include Jinci Temple, Forest Park, Mengshan Giant Buddha, and Shanxi Museum. Taiyuan is also celebrated internationally for holding their annual Shanxi Taiyuan International Folk Arts Festival, a celebration held in September that hosts exhibition of fine arts, painting, paper-cutting, sculpture, drama, acrobatic and the culture of costume. With such a great deal to do in such a limited window of time, it is best to make the most Taiyuan while you visit!

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Taiyuan?

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 Taiyuan is $106, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Taiyuan and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taiyuan $43
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taiyuan $86
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Taiyuan and Cheju (Jeju)

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


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taiyuan $48
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

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

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

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

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Taiyuan 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
    Taiyuan $36
    Cheju (Jeju) $29

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taiyuan $15
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taiyuan $6.41
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04


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


Which is Bigger, Taiyuan or Cheju (Jeju)?

Taiyuan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Taiyuan and Cheju (Jeju), 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.