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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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) $45
    Kobe $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
    Kobe $126
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 $14

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
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
  • Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
  • Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Car: $161
  • Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Van: $178
  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
  • Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $299
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $178
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
  • Departure Transfer: Kobe to Kobe Airport UKB by Business Car: $161
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $144
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178

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) $29
    Kobe $54
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

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


  • Burger
    $4.44
  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

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

  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
  • Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
  • Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
  • Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
  • Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
  • Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
    Kobe $24

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $125
  • 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
  • 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
  • 2025 Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju with UNESCO: $81
  • 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
  • 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
  • 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
  • All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
  • East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
  • East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
  • Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
  • Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
  • ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
  • Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
  • Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
  • Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
  • Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
  • Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
  • Kobe City Highlights Guided Tour - Shrine, Port, Tower: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
    Kobe $8.87

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

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

  • Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
  • KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186


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)