Which place is cheaper, Picton or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Picton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Picton? 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 Picton?
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.
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Picton $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Picton is $87. 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 Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Picton? 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 Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Picton -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20
- Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
- Seamless Transfer from MactanCebu Airport to Your City Hotel: $23
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Mandaue city: $40
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Lapu-Lapu city: $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $40
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton 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 $21Picton $20
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Picton $109
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour: $20
- Cebu City Tour: Temple of Leah and many more: $36
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $40
- Cebu City Tour (Joiners Tour): $41
- Guided Heritage City Tour: $44
- Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
- Land Tour | Bantayan Island - Sightseeing - Guided Tour: $46
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $52
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City with Sirao Garden Half Day Tour: $57
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $15
- Picton Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Hinterland Cycling Tour, Havelock: $25
- Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $30
- Winery Express Tour: $39
- Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton: $52
- Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock: $56
- Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $57
- Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $58
- Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton: $58
- Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $60
- Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Picton $35
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
- Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
- Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $87
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
- Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $90
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
- Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
- Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Picton, we can see that Picton is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cebu is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Picton?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Picton, 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 Picton?
Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?
Both Picton 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 summer months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cebu is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCebu 28°C (82°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Picton in the Autumn?
Both Picton 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
Cebu is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCebu 28°C (82°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Picton in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cebu is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.
Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cebu usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCebu 27°C (81°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Picton in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Picton. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.
In April, Cebu is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Pictonin October. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCebu 29°C (84°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Cebu
| Cebu | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.