A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cheju (Jeju) vs. Kobe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Kobe?

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 Kobe. 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 Kobe?

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.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

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 from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Cheju (Jeju)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. 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 Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
    Kobe $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
    Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Kobe? 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.

Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


Hotels in Kobe


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: Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Kobe $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55
  • Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $240
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
  • Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 day
    Cheju (Jeju) $17
    Kobe $30
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
    Kobe $23

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Tours and Activities in Kobe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.

  • Kobe Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Admission Ticket: $16
  • Mt Rokko night view & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour: $57
  • Private Tour - Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible: $70
  • Kobe : Private Custom Tour (Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible): $71
  • Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host: $78
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
  • Sake Tour and Tasting in Kobe: $84
  • Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour: $92
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
  • Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $94
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
    Kobe $8.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
  • Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

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 Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Cheju (Jeju) during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In July, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 26°C (79°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Kobe. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Kobe. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Kobe. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) is generally cooler than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 13°C (56°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Kobe. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)