Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Queenstown?
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 Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $76Queenstown $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $76, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $111. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $48Queenstown $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $96Queenstown $118
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Queenstown? 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: Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $11Queenstown $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $25
- 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
- One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
- Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93
- Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Mount Cook Transfer w/ Guided Landmark Tour: $108
- Private Transfer from Queenstown Central to Wanaka: $188
- Private Transfer from Queenstown to Milford Sound Cruise Port: $171
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $188
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Central: $188
- Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $188
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $70
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $61
- Queenstown Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Queenstown: $35
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $798
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $985
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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) $18Queenstown $38
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$4.73
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.63
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: $108
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $18
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $120
- Queenstown Progressive Dinner Tour | Experience 3 Locations: $239
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.78Queenstown $23
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
- [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $54
- Private Tour UNESCO Place with Experienced Driver in jeju island: $55
- Private Day Tour in West & South very Experienced Driver in jeju : $55
- Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $60
- Private Tour in South and East in jeju island : $60
- Private Day Mini Bus Taxi Tour Experienced Driver in jeju island : $60
- Half Day Private Oreum(Small Mountain ) Tour in Jeju Island: $60
- Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
- Private Tour Sangumburi Crater & Jeju stone park in jeju island : $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$32
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Time Tripper Underwater Experience: $12
- Skip the Line: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Queenstown Ticket: $20
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $21
- Augmented Reality Escape Adventure: $25
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $25
- Escape Adventure AR Experience in Queenstown: $25
- Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $28
- Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $31
- Kiwi Park Admission Ticket: $37
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $43
- Kids Club Experience Including Childcare: $49
- Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Evening Beer Tour: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.51Queenstown $9.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $25
- Jump on the Wine Hopper - Queenstown's Flexible Wine Tour!: $55
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $55
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $114
- Afternoon Wine Tasting Tour with 3 Wineries: $120
- Classic Wine Tour: $123
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $139
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Vineyards, Caves and Cheeseboard: $139
- Wine Tasting Tour: $141
- Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown Including Lunch: $165
- Wine Tour & Maori Culture Queenstown: $178
- Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cheju (Jeju) is in Asia and Queenstown is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Queenstown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Queenstown 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 Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Queenstown?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Queenstown, 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.
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.