Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Osaka?
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 Osaka. 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $72Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $46Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $92Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Osaka? 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Osaka $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
- 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
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
- Airport Transfer! Osaka Airport (ITM) to Center of hotel in Osaka: $150
- Arrival Private Transfer from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City by Minivan: $75
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $199
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $215
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Osaka: $87
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer ⇋ Osaka: $158
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $177
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $208
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
- Kansai Airport (KIX) - Osaka City Private One-way Transfer: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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) $17Osaka $25
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.49Osaka $20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
- Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
- Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
- Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
- Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
- Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
- Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.12Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Osaka. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 26°C (79°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Osaka. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Osaka in the Autumn?
Both Osaka and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Osaka. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Cheju (Jeju) during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Osaka. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.
Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Osaka. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Osaka in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Osaka. Furthermore, many travelers come to Osaka for the activities around the city.
In April, Cheju (Jeju) is generally cooler than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 13°C (56°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Osaka. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.