Which place is cheaper, Okinawa or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Okinawa?
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 Okinawa. 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 Okinawa?
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.
Okinawa
Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $72Okinawa $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $104. 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 Okinawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $46Okinawa $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $92Okinawa $144
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Okinawa
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Okinawa? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Okinawa $9.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:
- Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
- Airport Transfer! Naha Airport (OKA) to Center of Naha: $124
- Naha hotels to Okinawa Naha Airport (ОКА) - Departure Transfer: $59
- Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) to Naha Hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $118
- Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) to Naha hotels - Arrival Transfer: $59
- Private Transfer from Naha City Hotels to Nakagusuku Cruise Port : $59
- Private Transfer from Naha City Hotels to Nakagusuku Cruise Port : $66
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha City Hotels : $66
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $85
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $94
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Okinawa?
Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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) $17Okinawa $23
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) $5.49Okinawa $14
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 Okinawa
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:
- Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $36
- Mangrove Kayaking Tour: $38
- Okinawa Hot spot walk and local food ＆ beer tour(All include): $46
- Jungle River Trek: private tour in Yanbaru, north Okinawa: $49
- Kayak Mangroves or Coral Reef: private tour in north Okinawa : $53
- North Okinawa Bus Day Tour Manzamo Kouri Island Ocean Expo Park American Village: $57
- Mangrove Kayak ＆ Sea Fishing Experience in Okinawa: $57
- Sakaemachi Market Bar Hopping Tour: $58
- Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $66
- 2-Hour Private Gorilla Go Kart Experience in Okinawa: $68
- Kerama Islands 1 day snorkeling tour from Okinawa Naha: $72
- Sushi Making Experience Class in Naha Makishi Public Market: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.12Okinawa $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Okinawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Okinawa:
- Naha Local Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa 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 Okinawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Okinawa?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?
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 Okinawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Okinawa. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.
In July, Cheju (Jeju) is generally cooler than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 26°C (79°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Okinawa this time of the year. In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.
Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Okinawa 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Okinawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Okinawa. Additionally, many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Okinawa 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Okinawa in the Winter?
Both Okinawa and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Okinawa 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Okinawa in the Spring?
Both Okinawa and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much colder than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 13°C (56°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.
Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Okinawa 22°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Okinawa and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Okinawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.