Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Gold Coast $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $98. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Gold Coast? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $190
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Oslob Car Hire and Transfers: $150
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer: $108
- Cebu Whale Shark Snorkeling & Tumalog Falls w/ Meals and Transfer: $95
- Transfer Cebu City - Bantayan Island: $70
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gold Coast Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $21
- Airport to Hotel Return Transfer: $21
- Movie World To Brisbane Hotel One Way Transfer: $26
- Gold Coast Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Gold Coast: $73
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $98
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $98
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $98
- Australia Zoo Ticket and Roundtrip Transfer: $101
- Tangalooma Beach Day Cruise with Bus Transfers: $114
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $126
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $126
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $127
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 $21Gold Coast $27
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 Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $72
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Gold Coast $19
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- A snorkelling tour to Cebu’s Hilutungan: $130
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $84
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $80
- Beach Adventure: $85
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour from Cebu City or Mactan - Best Seller: $155
- Bohol Countryside Joiners Tour From Cebu City: $144
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City: $213
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City All Day Tour; An Unforgettable Experience of Cebu.: $60
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- Spring Brook National Park Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
- SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $24
- Surfers Paradise: IceBar Entry Ticket and Drink: $29
- Surfer's Paradise Sightseeing Cruise: $29
- Surfers Paradise and Midday River Cruise: $32
- Surfers Paradise: Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise 4pm: $32
- Gold Coast Morning Tea Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $32
- Surfers Paradise Sunset Cruise: $32
- City Lights Cruise: $36
- Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise: $36
- Gold Coast Sunset River Cruise: $36
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Gold Coast $5.19
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 Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $124
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Gold Coast?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Gold Coast. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
In July, Cebu is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gold Coastin January. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCebu 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
Both Gold Coast and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Cebu is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In October, Cebu usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin April. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCebu 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Gold Coast in the Winter?
Both Gold Coast and Cebu during the winter 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 visitors come to Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cebu is much warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
Cebu usually gets more rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCebu 27°C (81°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Gold Coast in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Cebu is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cebu usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin October. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCebu 29°C (84°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Cebu
| Cebu | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.