Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bali or Cebu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Cebu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bali or Cebu?
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBali $73Cebu $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $73, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $65. 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 Bali and Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $42Cebu $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $84Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Bali and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Bali 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: Bali Hotel Prices and Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $9.03Cebu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
- Private transfer: Nusa Dua to Bali Airport (DPS): $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
- Sanur Bali to/from Lembongan: Speedboat Transfer: $15
- Mount Batur Sunrise 4WD Jeep With Transfer : $16
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
- Ngurah Rai Bali Airport Private Transfer: $16
- Private Transfer Ubud-Seminyak-Kuta-Uluwatu-Jimbaran: $19
- Bali Tours 4U Airport and Seaport transfers. 24 hours a day.: $21
- Private Transfer Between Ubud and Canggu: $22
- Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Nusa Dua: $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20
- Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
- Seamless Transfer from MactanCebu Airport to Your City Hotel: $23
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Mandaue city: $40
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Lapu-Lapu city: $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $40
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu and Bali 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 dayBali $21Cebu $21
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.24
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$27
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Lunch for Two$8.07
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Lunch for 2$8.93
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Dinner for 2$9.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $28
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $30
- Uluwatu Temple Kecak And Dinner Half Day Private Guided Tour: $30
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
- Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
- Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $67
- Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $69
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $89
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $108
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bali $11Cebu $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$54
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Snorkelling Trip$12
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Cooking School$28
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Bali Water Sports Adventure: $7.89
- Bali Bird Park 1-Day Admission Ticket: $8.97
- Private Tour to New Indonesia Urban Destination: $13
- Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $14
- Uluwatu Temple and Karang Boma Cliff Tour with Tickets: $15
- Best of Ubud Full Day Private Guided Tour: $19
- All-Inclusive White Water Rafting Adventure in Ubud: $19
- 1-Day Instant Entry Ticket to Waterbom Bali: $19
- Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces, Temple & Waterfalls Tour: $19
- Bali Nusa Dua Theatre: Devdan Show Tickets: $19
- Ubud: Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Private Tour: $20
- All Inclusive Bali Snorkeling Blue Lagoon tour experience : $20
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour: $20
- Cebu City Tour: Temple of Leah and many more: $36
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $40
- Cebu City Tour (Joiners Tour): $41
- Guided Heritage City Tour: $44
- Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
- Land Tour | Bantayan Island - Sightseeing - Guided Tour: $46
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $52
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City with Sirao Garden Half Day Tour: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBali $3.20Cebu $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
When comparing the travel costs between Bali and Cebu, we can see that Bali is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bali or Cebu?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Cebu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Bali or Cebu in the Summer?
Both Cebu and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali 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 Bali is April to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Cebu. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 27°C (81°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bali or Cebu in the Autumn?
Both Cebu and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Cebu. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Bali is around the same temperature as Cebu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 27°C (81°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bali or Cebu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. In January, Bali usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cebu. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Bali is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bali in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Cebu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 26°C (79°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bali or Cebu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Cebu. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Bali usually gets more rain in April than Cebu. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 27°C (81°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Bali
| Bali | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.