Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sendai?
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 Sendai. 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $76Sendai $113
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $76, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $113. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $48Sendai $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $96Sendai $128
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Sendai? 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: Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $11Sendai $19
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 Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $25
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
- One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
- Sendai Airport to/from Sendai city central private transfer: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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) $18Sendai $35
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Miyagi, Shiogama Local Food Tour with Premium Tuna and Sushi Town: $140
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.78Sendai $20
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2Days Private Luxury Tour With Experienced Driver in Jeju island: $135
- Small Group Day Tour in East Jeju Healing Island: $115
- 1Day Tour to Jeju for Gangjeong Seogwipo Cruise Guests: $74
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $150
- 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
- 5Hour Private Taxi driver Tour in Jeju: $240
- Airport Transit Tour in Jeju : Customizable Private Tour: $297
- Beautiful Jeju Island Private UNESCO day Tour : $85
- Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $117
- Customized private tour in Jeju island: $90
- East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
- East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $99
Tours and Activities in Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $79
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
- Zao Fox village 1Day Bus Tour with Strawberry picking: $141
- Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $268
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.51Sendai $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Sendai?
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Sendai. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°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 Sendai. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sendai in the Autumn?
Both Sendai and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Sendai. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai 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 Sendai this time of year.
It's quite cold in Sendai in the winter. Cheju (Jeju) is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Sendai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Sendai. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sendai. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 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.