Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Chengdu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chengdu or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Chengdu and Cheju (Jeju). 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: Chengdu or Cheju (Jeju)?
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChengdu $52Cheju (Jeju) $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Chengdu is $52, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $76. 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 Chengdu and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChengdu $21Cheju (Jeju) $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChengdu $42Cheju (Jeju) $96
Compare Hotels in Chengdu and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Chengdu or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chengdu $6.09Cheju (Jeju) $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Panda Base, city central with Round Airport Transfer: $240
- Airport transfer between Tianfu(TFU) and Chengdu downtown: $40
- Arrival Transfer Chengdu Airport CTU to Chengdu by Luxury Sedan: $91
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Chengdu City to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Chengdu Panda & Giant Buddha Day Tour With Private Transfer: $240
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Chauffeur Service, Chengdu Airport Transfer, Pickup: $53
- Chengdu panda ticket with one way private transfer: $70
- Chengdu to Chengdu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Chengdu to Xi'an/Chongqing Bullet Train Ticket with Transfer: $56
- Downtown to Leshan round way transfer for one day service: $172
- Downtown to Sichuan Opera round way transfer: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
- Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- Private Tour in West Jeju Island with Transfer : $122
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $25
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Chengdu or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Chengdu 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 dayChengdu $22Cheju (Jeju) $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Eat with Locals Chengdu Dinner Tour : $61
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $69
- Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class with Local Market Visit: $75
- Half day Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Class Tour(Cooking 3 dishes): $75
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $76
- Tuk Tuk Food Tour with Unlimited Beer and Soda: $79
- Spicy Local Food Tour through Chengdu: $80
- Cooking Class with Fresh Market Half Day Experience: $82
- Hot Pot Dinner Sichuan Opera and Local tea tasting: $89
- Half-Day Dandan Noodles Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $100
- Street Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $106
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$4.73
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chengdu $16Cheju (Jeju) $5.78
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Customize Your China Tour 2024/2025: $5.00
- Agent ticket booking service: Online ticket booking in China: $10
- Sichuan Opera night show Jinjiang theater tickets: $13
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Half Day Tour(Private): $16
- Chengdu Sichuan Opera Show Ticket - Shu Feng Ya Yun: $18
- Giant Panda Base tickets booking option tours: $18
- Chengdu Panda Base and Dujiangyan One-Day Private Tour: $18
- Panda Breeding Base Private Tour/Ticket Only Option: $19
- Giant Panda Base tickets booking option tours: $19
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Ticket pre-booking: $20
- Private Tour of Chengdu's Top 3 Must-go Attractions w Photo Shoot: $20
- Panda Base Tour/Ticket Only Option: $22
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
- Private Day Tour in West & South very Experienced Driver in jeju : $55
- Private Tour UNESCO Place with Experienced Driver in jeju island: $55
- Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
- Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $56
- One Day Jeju Island Excursion For 'JEJU PORT' Cruise Guests: $56
- Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
- Half Day Private Oreum(Small Mountain ) Tour in Jeju Island: $60
- Private Tour in South and East in jeju island : $60
- Private Day Mini Bus Taxi Tour Experienced Driver in jeju island : $60
- Private Tour Sangumburi Crater & Jeju stone park in jeju island : $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChengdu $4.04Cheju (Jeju) $7.51
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chengdu and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) than you might in Chengdu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chengdu Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chengdu or Cheju (Jeju)?
Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Chengdu and Cheju (Jeju), 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.
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.