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

Should you visit Cebu or Hangzhou?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cebu or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Cebu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $67. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cebu $25
    Hangzhou $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cebu $50
    Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cebu $26
    Hangzhou $8.34

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
  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport Private Transfer: $24
  • One-way Airport Transfer to Hotel: $25
  • Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
  • Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $42
  • Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Private Hangzhou Departure Transfer Service: Hotel to Hangzhou Train Station: $21
  • Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
  • Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Hangzhou Train Station to Hangzhou Downtown Hotel: $39
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $21
    Hangzhou $18

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 Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.41
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cebu $17
    Hangzhou $21

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
  • 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
  • Guided Heritage City Tour: $45
  • Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
  • Cebu City and Uphill Tour: $46
  • Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
  • Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $46
  • Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $52
  • Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $53
  • Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour from Moalboal: $54

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
  • Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
  • Half-Day Hangzhou Tianzhu Buddhist Mountain Hiking Tour with Green Tea Village : $89
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
  • One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
  • Hangzhou Private Amazing English Tour Guide Service: $90
  • Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
  • Hangzhou Impressoin West Lake- Enduring Memory of Hangzhou Show Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cebu $14
    Hangzhou $11


When comparing the travel costs between Cebu and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cebu or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.

In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cebu usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cebu 28°C (82°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Hangzhou. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Cebu is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cebu 28°C (82°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Hangzhou in the Winter?

Both Hangzhou and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. Cebu is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cebu 27°C (81°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Hangzhou in the Spring?

Both Hangzhou 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.

In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cebu 29°C (84°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Cebu

Cebu Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)