A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cheju (Jeju) vs. Surfers Paradise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?

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.

Surfers Paradise

A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.

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 in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Cheju (Jeju)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $76, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $109. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $48
    Surfers Paradise $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $96
    Surfers Paradise $140
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Surfers Paradise

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Surfers Paradise? 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.

Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


Hotels in Surfers Paradise


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $11
    Surfers Paradise $12

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 Surfers Paradise

Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $186
  • Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $15
  • Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Surfers Paradise?

Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $18
    Surfers Paradise $28
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.73
  • 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 Surfers Paradise

For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.78
    Surfers Paradise $25

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
  • Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $60
  • Small Group Day Tour in East Jeju Healing Island: $115
  • 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For 'JEJU PORT' Cruise Guests: $69
  • 1Day Tour to Jeju for Gangjeong Seogwipo Cruise Guests: $72
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour very experience taxi tour: $150
  • 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $150
  • 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $115
  • 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surf Lesson
    $82

Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise

For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line:Wax Museum Ticket-World in Wax & Guided Tour of Chamber of Horrors: $23
  • Gold Coast - Hopo 2 Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $27
  • Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass: $31
  • Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $31
  • Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $33
  • Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $37
  • Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $38
  • Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $38
  • Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $39
  • Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $48
  • Gold Coast: 360-Degree High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure: $54
  • Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.51
    Surfers Paradise $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Surfers Paradise?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cheju (Jeju) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Surfers Paradise. Additionally, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cheju (Jeju) is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 26°C (79°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise and Cheju (Jeju) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Surfers Paradise. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much colder than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 13°C (56°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Surfers Paradise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)