Which place is cheaper, Nanjing 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 Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
-
Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Nanjing $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Nanjing? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Nanjing $39
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: $104
- CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $91
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $201
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $36Nanjing $49
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 Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Nanjing $9.41
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City: Walking Tour: $22
- Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $33
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- City Sightseeing Group Tour: $40
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $45
- Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
- 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): $52
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Nanjing $9.61
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 Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).
Nanjing 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 Nanjing. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Nanjing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Nanjing. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Nanjing in the Winter?
Both Nanjing and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. Cebu is much warmer than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Nanjing in the Spring?
Both Nanjing 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.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Nanjing. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Cebu
| Cebu | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.