Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cebu or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Kobe? 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
-
Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesKobe Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Kobe $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Kobe $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Kobe? 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 Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Kobe $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
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $201
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $104
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $91
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Kobe Airport UKB to Osaka and Kobe City: $58
- Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $71
- Kobe to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $91
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
- Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Itami Airport: $115
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $36Kobe $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $46
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $91
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
- Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
- Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
- Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $224
- Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Kobe $24
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $62
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $45
- Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
- Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
- Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
- Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Entry Ticket: $22
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
- Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
- Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
- Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
- 1-Day Guided Tour - Enjoy Kobe to the fullest: $47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Kobe $8.87
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Kobe?
Kobe has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Kobe. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kobe. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe 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, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
Cebu is much warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In October, Cebu usually receives more rain than Kobe. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kobe in the Winter?
Both Kobe 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cebu is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).
Cebu usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Cebu is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cebu usually receives less rain than Kobe. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Cebu
| Cebu | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.