Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Canberra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Canberra? 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 Canberra?
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.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Canberra $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $137. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Canberra $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Canberra $170
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Canberra? 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 Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Canberra $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Trusted Airport transfer to Mactan Resorts or Cebu Hotels: $80
- Transfer Cebu City - Bantayan Island: $70
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mactan-Cebu International Airport: $35
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Oslob Car Hire and Transfers: $150
- Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer: $111
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $26
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $85
- Canberra Transfer: Airport（CBR）to/from City Center: $100
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $124
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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 $21Canberra $36
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: $74
- 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
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $111
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Canberra $18
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City with Hillyland Joiners Tour: $66
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Active Taal Volcano & Beach Swimming w/ Floating Cottage Tour: $160
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Bantayan Island Hopping Joiner Tour: Virgin Island, Baigad Lagoon: $58
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour w Lunch at Loboc River From Cebu: $148
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City: $219
- CEBU Caubian Island Hopping Tour: $185
- CEBU Island Hopping Tour to Nalusuan Island: $195
- Canyoneering Adventure in Alegria: $154
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $14
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $14
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $14
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $15
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $31
- Badass Women of The Women Behind the Capital Tour: $41
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $41
- Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide: $42
- LGBTQIA+ History Walking Tour: $42
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $42
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $45
- Best of Wildlife Tour: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Canberra $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.40
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements for 2 - Canberra: $91
- Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $104
- Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $128
- CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $130
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $155
- Canberra Wine Tour: $167
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $171
- Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $189
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Canberra?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Canberra, 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 Canberra?
Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?
Both Canberra and Cebu during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
In the summer, Cebu is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCebu 28°C (82°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Canberra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cebu usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCebu 28°C (82°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Canberra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Canberra. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cebu is much warmer than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
Cebu usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCebu 27°C (81°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Canberra in the Spring?
Both Canberra and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.
In April, Cebu usually receives less rain than Canberrain October. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCebu 29°C (84°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Cebu
| Cebu | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.