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

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Cebu?

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 Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cebu $25
    Canberra $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cebu $50
    Canberra $166
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.

Hotels in Cebu


Hotels in Canberra


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cebu $26
    Canberra $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
  • Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
  • Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
  • Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
  • Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
  • Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
  • Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
  • Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
  • Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $196
  • One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cebu $36
    Canberra $60

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
  • Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
  • 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110

Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cebu $17
    Canberra $17

Tours and Activities in Cebu

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

  • BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
  • Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
  • 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
  • Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
  • BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $61
  • BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
  • Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
  • Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
  • Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
  • Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
  • Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $53
  • Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145

Tours and Activities in Canberra

For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
  • Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
  • Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily): $42
  • Ultimate Museum Experience | Dine + Tour + Shop (1pm daily): $42
  • Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $43
  • The Women Behind Inspiring Tour with Local Guide: $43
  • Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $46
  • Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cebu $14
    Canberra $16

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.16

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
  • Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
  • 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $161
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
  • 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181


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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cebu 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cebu 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cebu 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cebu 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)