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

Should you visit Eilat or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Should I visit Eilat 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: Eilat or Cheju (Jeju)?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Eilat and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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 Eilat


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Eilat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

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

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

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: $57
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

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

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Eilat 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
    Eilat $35
    Cheju (Jeju) $17

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

Tours and Activities in Eilat

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

  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
  • Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
  • Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat is in Middle East and Cheju (Jeju) is in Asia, 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat or Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Eilat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

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

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Eilat during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Eilat. In the summer, Eilat is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Eilat in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the summer, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Eilat usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round.

In October, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 26°C (79°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Eilat usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Cheju (Jeju). Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Eilat is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the winter, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.

Eilat usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

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

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year.

In the spring, Eilat is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Eilat in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Eilat usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Eilat

Eilat Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)