Which place is cheaper, Ise or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cebu or Ise?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Ise? 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 Ise?
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.
Ise
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Ise $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Ise is $89. 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 Ise in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Ise $42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Ise $84
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Ise
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Ise? 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 Ise Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Ise $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $190
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- 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
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Mandaue city: $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $40
- Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
- Cebu Whale Shark Snorkeling & Tumalog Falls w/ Meals and Transfer: $95
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Ise?
Prices for flights to both Ise 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 $21Ise $24
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Ise $5.83
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 Ise
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
- Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Ise $4.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Ise, we can see that Ise 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 Ise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ise 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 Ise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Ise?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Ise, 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 Ise?
Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Ise 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 Ise. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Ise 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Ise in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Ise. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ise because of the shopping scene.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Ise. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ise. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Ise 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Ise in the Winter?
Both Ise and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ise this time of year.
It's quite cold in Ise in the winter. Cebu is much warmer than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Ise. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Ise 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Ise in the Spring?
Both Ise 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ise for the beaches.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).
Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Ise 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Ise and Cebu
| Cebu | Ise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.