Which place is cheaper, Sapporo 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 Sapporo?
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 Sapporo. 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 Sapporo?
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.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
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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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Sapporo $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Sapporo? 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: Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Sapporo $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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) $29Sapporo $54
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Sapporo $17
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $125
- 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
- 2025 Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju with UNESCO: $81
- 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
- 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
- All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
- Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
- East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
- East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
- Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.33
- Historical Village of Hokkaido Entry Ticket: $6.76
- Sapporo TV Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Ticket in Hokkaido: $9.00
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Walking Tour: $31
- Hokkaido Shrine Tour with Rituals, History & Sweets: $43
- Beer Museum Tour with Tasting of Local Brews: $49
- Tour of the Historic Red Brick Government Office: $50
- Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $55
- Sapporo Walking Tour: $61
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Sapporo?
Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
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 Sapporo in the Summer?
Both Sapporo and Cheju (Jeju) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cheju (Jeju) is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 26°C (79°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sapporo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Sapporo. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.
Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sapporo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Sapporo. Additionally, many travelers come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Sapporo. In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).
In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Sapporo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sapporo in the Spring?
Both Sapporo and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 13°C (56°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.