Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Tokyo $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $190
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Oslob Car Hire and Transfers: $150
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer: $108
- Cebu Whale Shark Snorkeling & Tumalog Falls w/ Meals and Transfer: $95
- Transfer Cebu City - Bantayan Island: $70
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Lapu-Lapu city: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $44
- Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $59
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Arrival Private Transfer : $66
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki hotels to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $21Tokyo $37
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 Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Tokyo $68
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- A snorkelling tour to Cebu’s Hilutungan: $130
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $84
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $80
- Beach Adventure: $85
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour from Cebu City or Mactan - Best Seller: $155
- Bohol Countryside Joiners Tour From Cebu City: $144
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City: $213
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City All Day Tour; An Unforgettable Experience of Cebu.: $60
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
- Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
- Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Tokyo $33
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 Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Tokyo. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In July, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo 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, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Cebu is much warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In October, Cebu usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cebu is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).
Cebu usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Cebu is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cebu usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Cebu
| Cebu | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.