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

Should you visit Dalian or Cheju (Jeju)?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Dalian or Cheju (Jeju)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Dalian or Cheju (Jeju)?

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern 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 Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, 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 Dalian and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dalian $56
    Cheju (Jeju) $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dalian $112
    Cheju (Jeju) $96
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Dalian 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.

Hotels in Dalian


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.
    Dalian $42
    Cheju (Jeju) $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

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

  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
  • Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93
  • One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
  • 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 Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22

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

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Dalian 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
    Dalian $28
    Cheju (Jeju) $18

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

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


  • Burger
    $4.73
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dalian $4.91
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.78

Tours and Activities in Dalian

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

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • 2Days Private Luxury Tour With Experienced Driver in Jeju island: $135
  • Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $60
  • Small Group Day Tour in East Jeju Healing Island: $115
  • 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For 'JEJU PORT' Cruise Guests: $69
  • 1Day Tour to Jeju for Gangjeong Seogwipo Cruise Guests: $72
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour very experience taxi tour: $150
  • 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $150
  • 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $115
  • 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $150
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 5Hour Private Taxi driver Tour in Jeju: $240
  • Airport Transit Tour in Jeju : Customizable Private Tour: $297

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dalian $6.48
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.51


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


Which is Bigger, Dalian or Cheju (Jeju)?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Dalian 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.


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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dalian or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Cheju (Jeju).

In the summer, Dalian is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Dalian in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dalian 24°C (75°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

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

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

In October, Dalian is generally cooler than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 15°C (58°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

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

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Dalian during the winter are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Dalian in the winter. Dalian is much colder than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dalian -4°C (25°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Cheju (Jeju).

In the spring, Dalian is cooler than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Dalian in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dalian 11°C (51°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Dalian

Dalian Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)