Which place is cheaper, Koyasan or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cebu or Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Koyasan? 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 Koyasan?
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.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
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Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Koyasan $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $95. 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 Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Koyasan $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Koyasan $82
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Koyasan? 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 Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Koyasan $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $208
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102
- CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $196
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan 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 $36Koyasan $34
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: $45
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Koyasan $14
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City: Walking Tour: $21
- Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $32
- Adventure Hiking Trip in the City: $36
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- City Sightseeing Group Tour: $39
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $45
- Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
- Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
- Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Koyasan $5.07
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan 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 Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan 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 Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cebu or Koyasan?
Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cebu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koyasan. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Koyasan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Koyasan. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Koyasan. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Koyasan in the Winter?
Both Koyasan 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, many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine.
Cebu is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Koyasan in the Spring?
Both Koyasan 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. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Cebu
| Cebu | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.