Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Byron Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay?
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.
Byron Bay
South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Philippines, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Byron Bay $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $146. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Byron Bay $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Byron Bay $140
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Byron Bay? 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 and Byron Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Byron Bay $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- CEB Private Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $23
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport Private Transfer: $24
- One-way Airport Transfer to Hotel: $25
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $26
- Private Arrival Transfer: Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Hotel: $27
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $41
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $41
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:
- Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $285
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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
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Food Meals for one dayCebu $21Byron Bay $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu city: Walking Historical and Street Food Tour: $33
- Private Half Day Ultimate Food Tour in Cebu: $66
- Street Food Tour and Historical Sites Adventure: $73
- The Original Cebu Historical Street and Food Tour: $73
- The Original Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $75
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $97
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking: $99
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $110
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Byron Bay $37
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Day Adventure Pass Ticket (All Day Unlimited Rides): $16
- Cebu City Wonder Tour: $28
- Cebu City Tour: Temple of Leah and many more: $37
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Guided Heritage City Tour: $45
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
- Cebu City and Uphill Tour: $46
- Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $46
- Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
- Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $51
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $53
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$130
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Surf Lesson$45
Tours and Activities in Byron Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $34
- WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $34
- Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $41
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $47
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $47
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $47
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $48
- Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $48
- Byron Surrounds: Nimbin Waterfall Adventure - Swimming Tour: $52
- Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $55
- Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $58
- Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $58
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Byron Bay $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Private Guided Street Food and Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour in Cebu: $200
Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay
Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $92
- Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $101
- Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $133
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cebu is in Asia and Byron Bay is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Byron Bay?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?
Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?
Both Byron Bay and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Cebu is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCebu 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
Both Byron Bay and Cebu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cebu is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin April. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCebu 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Byron Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.
Cebu is much warmer than Byron Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in July.
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCebu 27°C (81°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Byron Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Byron Bay. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 19°C (67°F)in October.
Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCebu 29°C (84°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Cebu
| Cebu | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.