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

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Wellington?

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 Wellington. 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 Wellington?

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.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Wellington 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 Wellington is $124. 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 Wellington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
    Wellington $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
    Wellington $120
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Wellington

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


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: Wellington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
    Wellington $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: $70
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
  • Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

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

  • Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
  • Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
  • Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $58

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

Prices for flights to both Wellington 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
    Wellington $51
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

Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $8.87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

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

  • 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $126

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
    Wellington $16

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
  • 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
  • Experience Haenyeo Diving : female divers in Jeju: $118
  • Full Day 12 hours whole Jeju Island private flexible tour: $200
  • Full Day Tour In Jeju Island - East of Jeju (included admission): $170

Tours and Activities in Wellington

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

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $7.03
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Māori Highlights Tour: $12
  • Wellington Zoo General Entry Tickets: $15
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Atlantis: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Entry Ticket: $28
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket: $32
  • Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington: $33
  • Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
  • Wētā Workshop Creative Classes Experience Ticket: $33
  • Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
    Wellington $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $100
  • From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $170
  • Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $395


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


Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Wellington?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Wellington. Additionally, many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wellington. 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 Wellingtonin January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F) 
    Wellington 18°C (64°F)

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

Both Wellington and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Cheju (Jeju) is generally a little warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 18°C (64°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Wellington 15°C (58°F)

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

Both Wellington and Cheju (Jeju) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Wellington 10°C (49°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Wellington. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches.

In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wellington during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wellingtonin October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Wellington 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Wellington and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Wellington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)