Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cebu or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Koh Phi Phi $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Koh Phi Phi $6.89
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
-
Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $24
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $21Koh Phi Phi $11
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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.64
-
Sit Down Lunch$9.27
-
Casual Lunch$5.73
-
Coconut Donut$0.27
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
-
Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Koh Phi Phi $45
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Phuket Trick Eye 3D Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Highlights Tour: $50
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$14
-
Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When comparing the travel costs between Cebu and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Koh Phi Phi?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 800 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cebu or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Koh Phi Phi. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In October, Cebu usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. Cebu usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cebu usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Cebu is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Cebu
| Cebu | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.