Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cebu or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Beijing? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cebu or Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Cebu and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Beijing $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Beijing? 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: Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Beijing $7.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $190
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue 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 Airport (CEB) to Mandaue city: $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $40
- Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
- Cebu Whale Shark Snorkeling & Tumalog Falls w/ Meals and Transfer: $95
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.71
-
Train from Airport for Two$6.90
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.28
-
2 Metro Passes$2.21
-
Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Museum of the Communist Party of China Transfer Optional: $10
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $17
- Beijing Daxing International Airport shuttle bus transfer service: $20
- Beijing Airport Transfer: $21
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Train Stations: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Train Stations to Hotel: $22
- Beijing Railway Station Departure Transfer: Hotel/Apartment to Railway Station: $23
- Private Airport Pick Up or Drop Off Transfer: $26
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
- Private One Way Transfer Services from Train Stations in Beijing to Your Hotels : $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Cebu 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 dayCebu $21Beijing $21
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
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.83
-
Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
-
Watermelon$1.93
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
-
Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Beijing $24
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
-
Two Opera Tickets$59
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Hutongs Free Walking Tour : $5.00
- Temple of Heaven Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Summer Palace Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Temple of Heaven Ticket: $7.90
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $162
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Cebu Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Beijing, 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 Cebu or Beijing?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cebu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cebu or Beijing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Beijing. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Beijing. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Cebu is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In the winter, Cebu is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Beijing. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing and Cebu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Cebu is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Cebu usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Cebu
| Cebu | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.