A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Cebu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Bali?

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 Bali is $79, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $75. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $37
    Cebu $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $74
    Cebu $46
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.

Hotels in Bali


Hotels in Cebu


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bali $8.10
    Cebu $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $2.78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Densapar City → DPS Airport: $8.88
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
  • Private Bali Transfer & Costumize Day trip: $18
  • Denpasar Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $25
  • Denpasar Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Premium SUV Bali Airport Departure Private Transfer: $29
  • Bali Sea Walker Under Water Experience With Hotel Transfer: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $33
  • Ubud ATV Quad Bike Ticket And Transfer: $34
  • Devdan Treasure of the Archipelago Show with Transfer from Bali: $36
  • Lombok : private Transfer from bangsal port to kuta lombok: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:

  • CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
  • Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
  • Cebu Airport Private Car Transfer Service to Cebu City Hotel: $20
  • Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20
  • Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
  • Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour w/ Transfers Option: $22
  • Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $24
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
  • Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $27
  • Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $27
  • Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Cebu Airport (CEB) → Cebu City Hotels: $33

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bali $32
    Cebu $34
Typical Food Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.11
  • Lunch for Two
    $12
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $24
  • Lunch for Two
    $7.24
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.02
  • Dinner for 2
    $8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.

  • Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset: $30
  • Amazing Private Tour-Uluwatu Kecak Dance and Romantic Seafood Dinner: $33
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran beach: $38
  • Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $41
  • Nusa Dua: Bali Cooking Class Spice Herb Garden Visit-Free Pick Up: $42
  • Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
  • Bali Village Sunset Experience – Jamu, Local Sweets & Dinner: $45
  • Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
  • Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
  • Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour & Dinner at Jimbaran Bay: $63
  • Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
  • Highlights Padang - Padang, Melasti Beach & Jimbaran Dinner: $65

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $9.71
    Cebu $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $48
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $11
  • Cooking School
    $25

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Uluwatu Temple Entrance Ticket: $7.50
  • Skip-the-Line: Uluwatu Kecak Dance Ticket (First Session): $9.00
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking by Your Bali Trekking Tour: $9.53
  • Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Uluwatu Temple: $11
  • Kecak Fire Dance Performance Ticket Karang Boma at Uluwatu: $11
  • Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $12
  • Secret Comedy Night Bali Ticket: $12
  • Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Melasti Beach: $14
  • Uluwatu Kecak Tickets A Spectacular Show: $18
  • Best Full Day Of Ubud Private Guided Tour: $19
  • Bali Jetski Watersport Nusa Dua Beach Experience: $20
  • Skip The Line Tour: Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Tour – Half Day: $20

Tours and Activities in Cebu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:

  • Cebu City: Walking Tour: $21
  • Cebu Walking Tour — History, Culture & Local Food Experience: $29
  • Self-Guided Secrets of Cebu Exploration Game Tour: $30
  • Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $32
  • Adventure Hiking Trip in the City: $36
  • 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
  • Cebu City Tour: $38
  • City Sightseeing Group Tour: $39
  • BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
  • Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $45
  • Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
  • Cebu Mactan Sunset Speedboat Cruise with Drinks: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $2.87
    Cebu $13

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 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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bali 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bali 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bali 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bali 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)