Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $66Guangzhou $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $66, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $90. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Guangzhou $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Guangzhou $116
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Guangzhou? 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 $26Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $208
- CEB Private Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $23
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
- Cebu Airport to Out of Town Transfers: $95
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $42
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $42
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $42
- Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport Private Transfer: $24
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou City to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
- Private Guangzhou City Center Transfer to Baiyun International Airport : $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou City Area: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Canton Fair Pazhou Complex: $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou South Railway Station : $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $22Guangzhou $20
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
- The Original Cebu Historical Street and Food Tour: $74
- The Original Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $75
- Street Food Tour and Historical Sites Adventure: $77
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $97
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $112
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Private Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Cruise: $110
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $119
- World 8th Tallest Building (one of Best View point & dinner): $120
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $153
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $153
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private City Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $220
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Guangzhou $18
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
- Cebu City Tour : $38
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Guided Heritage City Tour: $46
- Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
- Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $46
- Cebu City and Uphill Tour: $46
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
- Taoist Temple, Temple of Leah, and Tops Cebu Tour: $46
- Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $52
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Private Tour for Canton Culture and Food with Airport Pick Up : $60
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $78
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Foodie Tour with a Guide: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Guangzhou $15
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Guangzhou. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Cebu is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cebu in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°F).
Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
In January, Cebu is generally much warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 27°C (81°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Guangzhou in the Spring?
Both Guangzhou and Cebu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Cebu is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Cebu
| Cebu | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.