Which place is cheaper, Sado 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.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sado?
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 Sado. 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 Sado?
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.
Sado
Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesSado Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Sado $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Sado is $82. 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 Sado in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Sado $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Sado $62
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Sado
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Sado? 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: Sado Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Sado $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Sado?
Prices for flights to both Sado 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) $29Sado $42
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$4.44
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Sado $8.74
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
- Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
- Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
- Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59
Tours and Activities in Sado
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sado are as follows:
- Sado Island Highlights: 3-Hour Bike Tour: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Sado $69
When comparing the travel costs between Cheju (Jeju) and Sado, 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 Sado Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sado?
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 Sado in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Sado. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sado during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.
Sado 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 Sado. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Sado 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sado in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Sado. Also, many visitors come to Sado in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Sado. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sado. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Sado 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sado in the Winter?
Both Sado and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sado can be very cold during winter. In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Sado. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Sado 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sado in the Spring?
Both Sado and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit.
Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sado. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.
Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sado. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Sado 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sado and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Sado | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 162 mm (6.4 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.