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

Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Whitsundays?

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 Whitsundays. 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 Whitsundays?

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.

Whitsundays

Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.

As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.

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 in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $72, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
    Whitsundays $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
    Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Whitsundays

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


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
    Whitsundays $55

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
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays

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

  • Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $124

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

Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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) $17
    Whitsundays $30
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

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


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays

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

  • Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
    Whitsundays $25

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Tours and Activities in Whitsundays

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.

  • From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $91
  • Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $150
  • Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $195
  • Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,941

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
    Whitsundays $12


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



When is the best time to visit Cheju (Jeju) or Whitsundays?

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

Both Whitsundays and Cheju (Jeju) during the summer are popular places to visit.

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

In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun.

Whitsundays gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in July than Whitsundaysin January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Whitsundays.

In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Whitsundays. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during autumn. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whitsundays receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Whitsundaysin April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Whitsundays.

In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much colder than Whitsundaysin July. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Whitsundaysin July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F) 
    Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)

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

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

Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Whitsundays in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during spring. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Whitsundaysin October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju (Jeju) Whitsundays
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 377 mm (14.8 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)