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

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Suzhou?

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 Suzhou. 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 Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
    Suzhou $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
    Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou


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) $10
    Suzhou $58

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
  • Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84

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

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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) $29
    Suzhou $57
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

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


  • Burger
    $4.44
  • 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 Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
  • Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
    Suzhou $9.47

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 Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
  • Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
  • Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
  • Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
  • Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
  • Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
  • Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
    Suzhou $6.50


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


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Suzhou?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?

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 Suzhou in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Suzhou.

Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou this time of the year. In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Suzhou.

In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

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

Both Suzhou and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Suzhou. In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally a little warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

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

Both Suzhou and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit.

Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.

Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Suzhou. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)