Which place is cheaper, Nara or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Nara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Nara? 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Nara $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Nara is $93. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Nara $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Nara $112
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Nara? 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 Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Nara $6.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- CEB Private Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $23
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport Private Transfer: $24
- One-way Airport Transfer to Hotel: $25
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $26
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mactan-Cebu International Airport: $35
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $42
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $42
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $242
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $21Nara $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu city: Walking Historical and Street Food Tour: $33
- Private Half Day Ultimate Food Tour in Cebu: $66
- Street Food Tour and Historical Sites Adventure: $73
- The Original Cebu Historical Street and Food Tour: $74
- The Original Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $75
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $97
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking: $99
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $111
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $124
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $205
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Nara $8.42
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Day Adventure Pass Ticket (All Day Unlimited Rides): $16
- Cebu City Wonder Tour: $28
- Cebu City Tour: Temple of Leah and many more: $37
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Guided Heritage City Tour: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
- Cebu City and Uphill Tour: $46
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
- Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $46
- Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $52
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $53
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour from Moalboal: $54
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Imaginary Experience: $2.68
- Bike Tour in Ancient Capital UNESCO World Heritage: $18
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $20
- The Tea Gathering Experience In The Evening: $23
- Tea Gathering Experience In The Morning: $23
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $25
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $25
- Uji Walking Tour with Matcha Experience: $39
- World Heritage Horyuji Temple: E-bike Tour in Ikaruga, Nara: $42
- Ancient Imperial Palace, Heijokyu - Guided Tour 2H: $45
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $46
- Nara:Private Walking Tour with Famous Spot & Sake & Mochi: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Nara $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Nara?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Nara, 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 Nara?
Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?
Both Nara and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Nara. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Nara in the Autumn?
Both Nara and Cebu during the autumn 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 Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Nara. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Nara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nara can get quite cold in the winter. Cebu is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Nara. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Nara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Nara. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nara for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Nara. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Cebu
| Cebu | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.