Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Ho Chi Minh City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ho Chi Minh City or Cheju (Jeju)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Cheju (Jeju) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Ho Chi Minh City or Cheju (Jeju)?
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.
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 Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $81Cheju (Jeju) $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $81, 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Cheju (Jeju) $46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
-
Short Taxi Ride$1.40
-
Taxi From Airport$7.99
-
Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 7 Seats Car: $41
- Airport Transfers (Airport - Ho Chi Minh,Private 16 Seats Car): $52
- Airport transfer from TAN SON NHAT airport to HO CHI MINH: $23
- CONVENIENT AIRPORT TRANSFER by PRIVATE CAR or SCOOTERS | Kiss Tours: $28
- Cam Ranh Riviera to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Duyen Ha Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Golden Bridge &Marble Mountain With Guide &Transfer from Chan May: $110
- Golden Bridge Trip with guide, lunch &Transfer from Chan May Port: $189
- HO CHI MINH AIRPORT: CAR 7s PICK UP <-> HOTEL (one way transfer): $22
- HO CHI MINH AIRPORT: Car 16s pick up <-> hotel (one way transfer): $32
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Vinh City to Hanoi (HAN) Airport: $257
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Ho Chi Minh City 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 dayHo Chi Minh City $14Cheju (Jeju) $17
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
-
Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.27
-
Pizza$5.19
-
Sweet Rice$1.20
-
Pork Sandwich$0.60
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.78
-
Western Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Saigon Unseen & Food Tour By scooter w Student | Saigon Adventure: $19
- Private Walking Food Tour with Local Students : $26
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic): $26
- Saigon: Backstreets Private Walking Food Tour & 10 Tastings: $27
- Food Tour by Scooter with Eleven Tastings: $27
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $28
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike/Car + Sightseeing + Fun: $28
- Private Walking Food Tour with 13 Tastings: $28
- Ho Chi Minh: Original Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
- Ho Chi Minh: Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour With Local: $29
- Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour: $29
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.Ho Chi Minh City $20Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Massage$5.59
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Chinatown Walking Tour Ho Chi Minh City: $0.80
- Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: $0.80
- Saigon Sites and Stories - Free Walking Tour: $2.05
- Saigon: Free Food Walking Tour: $2.13
- Walking Tour: $5.00
- Saigon: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $7.00
- Saigon: City Sightseeing 45-Minute Panoramic Night Tour: $7.00
- City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $7.00
- Floating Village Eco-Tourism Tan Lap - Trekking Day Trip: $7.39
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Ho Chi Minh Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.78
- 3-Hours Trekking Tour to Hidden Waterfall and Sturgeon Farm: $8.06
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 dayHo Chi Minh City $7.98Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
-
Beer$0.40
When comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Cheju (Jeju)?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City 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.