Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Railay Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Railay Beach? 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 Railay Beach?
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.
Railay Beach
If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Railay Beach $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $105. 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 Railay Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Railay Beach $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Railay Beach $126
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Railay Beach
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Railay Beach? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Railay Beach $25
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Railay Beach?
Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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 $21Railay Beach $22
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
Typical Food Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Pizza$4.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Railay Beach $23
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Rock Climbing (for Two)$19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Railay Beach $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Beer$1.64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cebu or Railay Beach?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Cebu or Railay Beach in the Summer?
Both Railay Beach and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Railay Beach in the Autumn?
Both Railay Beach 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach. Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Cebu is around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cebu in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Railay Beach in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Railay Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season. In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 27°C (81°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Railay Beach in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Railay Beach. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Cebu
| Cebu | Railay Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.