Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Katoomba?
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 Katoomba. 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 Katoomba?
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.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.
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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesKatoomba Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Katoomba $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $148. 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 Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Katoomba $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Katoomba? 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: Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Katoomba $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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
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Food Meals for one dayCheju (Jeju) $29Katoomba $30
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.44
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
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: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Katoomba $54
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
- Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
- Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
- Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59
Tours and Activities in Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $99
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
- Blue Mountains Tour with Scenic World, Zoo&Bilingual Driver: $100
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
- Blue Mountains: Spectacular Half Day Abseiling Adventure: $116
- Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $117
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
- Small Group Blue Mountains Wildlife & Bushwalk Tour From Sydney: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cheju (Jeju) is in Asia and Katoomba 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 Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Cheju (Jeju).
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 Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Katoomba?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cheju (Jeju) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Katoomba in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Katoomba. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.
Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
Katoomba receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Katoomba in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Katoomba. Additionally, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Katoombain April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.
Cheju (Jeju) usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Katoombain April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Katoomba in the Winter?
Both Katoomba and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much colder than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Katoomba in the Spring?
Both Katoomba and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.
Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Katoomba | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.