Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Matsue?
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 Matsue. 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 Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $72Matsue $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $46Matsue $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $92Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Matsue? 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: Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Matsue $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- 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 island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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) $17Matsue $27
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$4.49
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.49Matsue $8.81
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
- [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
- Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
- Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
- Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
- jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
- Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $63
- Private Tour Cheonjeyeon Falls & Osulloc Museum in Jeju Island : $65
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $66
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Bus Tour: $66
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
- An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.12Matsue $6.85
When comparing the travel costs between Cheju (Jeju) and Matsue, we can see that Cheju (Jeju) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Matsue?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Matsue in the Summer?
Both Matsue and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Matsue. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). In July, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Matsue. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Matsue in the Autumn?
Both Matsue and Cheju (Jeju) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Matsue. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Matsue in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Matsue. Furthermore, many travelers come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Matsue during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Matsue. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Matsue in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Matsue. Additionally, many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.