Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cheju (Jeju) and Harbin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin?
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $76Harbin $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $76, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $56. 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $48Harbin $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $96Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $11Harbin $1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $25
- Private Tour in West Jeju Island with Transfer : $122
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
- One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $40
- Harbin Airport, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province Transfer Service: $27
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $117
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $117
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Cheju (Jeju) 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 dayCheju (Jeju) $18Harbin $14
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
-
Burger$4.73
-
Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Harbin Private City and Food Tour: $200
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.78Harbin $54
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2Days Private Luxury Tour With Experienced Driver in Jeju island: $135
- Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $60
- Private Taxi Tour Hydrangea flower & Garden place in jeju island: $300
- Small Group Day Tour in East Jeju Healing Island: $115
- 1Day Tour to Jeju for Gangjeong Seogwipo Cruise Guests: $74
- 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour very experience taxi tour: $150
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $150
- 2Days Limousine Taxi Tour with Experienced driver in jeju island: $170
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $115
- 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $150
- 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
- 5Hour Private Taxi driver Tour in Jeju: $240
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice Festival /Harbin Ice and Snow World Entrance Ticket: $100
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Small Group Tour to Harbin Siberian Park Tiger: $200
- Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
- Songhua River Boat Tour and Food Experience in Harbin: $230
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.51Harbin $8.05
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Harbin, we can see that Cheju (Jeju) is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Harbin, 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Harbin.
In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Harbin. Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Harbin. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Harbin. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Cheju (Jeju) during the winter are popular places to visit.
The weather in Harbin can be very cold. Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Harbin.
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).
In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Harbin. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.