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

Should you visit Cebu or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Cebu or Nagano? 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Cebu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $109. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cebu $25
    Nagano $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cebu $50
    Nagano $126
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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 Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cebu $26
    Nagano $10

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: $196
  • 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: $102
  • One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $36
    Nagano $39

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cebu $17
    Nagano $8.45

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: $61
  • BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
  • Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
  • Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
  • Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
  • Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
  • Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $53
  • Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cebu $14
    Nagano -

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 Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cebu or Nagano?

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

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Nagano. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cebu is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cebu 28°C (82°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano 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 autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In October, Cebu usually receives less rain than Nagano. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cebu 28°C (82°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano 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. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. Cebu is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cebu usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cebu 27°C (81°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Cebu or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In April, Cebu usually receives less rain than Nagano. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cebu 29°C (84°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Cebu

Cebu Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)