Which place is cheaper, Yaeyama Islands 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.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yaeyama Islands?
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 Yaeyama Islands. 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 Yaeyama Islands?
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.
Yaeyama Islands
The Yaeyama Islands is a cluster of islands located in the southwestern part of Japan, close to Taiwan. There are nine different islands, varying from small islets to large holiday resort islands. The Yaeyama Islands are one of the most popular destination in Japan due to their beautiful beaches and underwater ruins. Yaeyama is also known for having their own language and writing system. For the most part, everyone on the Islands speak Japanese, but you'll often find the Yaeyama writing on T-shirts in souvenir shops or scattered around Yaeyama.
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 Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.
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Cheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea PricesYaeyama Islands Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $84Yaeyama Islands $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $84, while the average daily cost in Yaeyama Islands is $118. 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 Yaeyama Islands in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $45Yaeyama Islands $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $90Yaeyama Islands $112
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Yaeyama Islands
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) or Yaeyama Islands? 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: Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $10Yaeyama Islands $19
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Yaeyama Islands?
Prices for flights to both Yaeyama Islands 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) $29Yaeyama Islands $50
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$4.44
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.43Yaeyama Islands $8.93
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.04Yaeyama Islands $6.51
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cheju (Jeju) and Yaeyama Islands, we can see that Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yaeyama Islands?
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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Yaeyama Islands. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.
Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Yaeyama Islands in the summer. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Yaeyama Islands this time of the year. In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Cheju (Jeju) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Yaeyama Islands 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Yaeyama Islands. Additionally, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) is cooler than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In the autumn, Cheju (Jeju) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Yaeyama Islands. Cheju (Jeju) gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in October than Yaeyama Islands. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Yaeyama Islands 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?
Both Yaeyama Islands and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
In January, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much colder than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 5°C (41°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during winter. Cheju (Jeju) gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. In January, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Yaeyama Islands 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?
Both Yaeyama Islands and Cheju (Jeju) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Yaeyama Islands in the spring. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
In the spring, Cheju (Jeju) often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Cheju (Jeju) gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.
Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets less rain in April than Yaeyama Islands. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Yaeyama Islands 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Yaeyama Islands | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 231 mm (9.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.