Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cebu or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Darwin? 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
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 in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Darwin $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $111. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Darwin $62
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Darwin? 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 Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Darwin $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20
- Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
- Seamless Transfer from MactanCebu Airport to Your City Hotel: $23
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Mandaue city: $40
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu 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 International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $40
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
-
Shuttle to Train Station$9.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $59
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $92
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $21Darwin $37
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $71
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $85
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $90
- Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $96
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $112
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Darwin $15
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
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- Darwin Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- 1 Hour Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $26
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $30
- Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $31
- Darwin Shore Excursion: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $31
- Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $31
- Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $39
- Jumping Crocodile Cruise At Crocodylus Park : $40
- 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $42
- Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $42
- Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Darwin $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
-
Evening at a Bar$16
-
Glass of Wine$4.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Darwin?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin 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, many visitors come to Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCebu 28°C (82°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Darwin in the Autumn?
Both Darwin 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Darwinin April. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCebu 28°C (82°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCebu 27°C (81°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Darwin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Darwin. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In the spring, Cebu is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.
Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Darwinin October. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCebu 29°C (84°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Cebu
| Cebu | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.