Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Hoi An?
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 Hoi An or Cebu?
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 Hoi An and Cebu. 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: Hoi An or Cebu?
Hoi An
Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.
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Hoi An Prices
Vietnam PricesCebu Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHoi An $51Cebu $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Hoi An is $51, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $80. 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 Hoi An and Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHoi An $20Cebu $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHoi An $40Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Hoi An and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Hoi An or Cebu? 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: Hoi An Hotel Prices and Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hoi An $18Cebu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
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Taxi From Danang to Hoi An$8.34
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Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hue Private Car with Driver for Customizable Trip & Transfer: $7.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
- Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $201
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Hoi An or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu and Hoi An 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 dayHoi An $16Cebu $36
Typical Food Prices in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)$13
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.79
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $46
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $91
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hoi An $12Cebu $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Golf (for Two)$140
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Short Boat Ride$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hue : Shuttle bus from Hue to Hoi An and sightseeing: $16
- Hue-Da Nang-Hoi An Bus Tour with English Guide & Sightseeing: $22
- Hue: Half-Day Tour with Optional Dragon Boat Perfume River: $28
- Phu Quoc: 3 Islands Snorkeling/ Cable Car Adventure: $45
- Hoi An Experience 3 Hours Wood Carving Class with Local Artist: $47
- My Son Sanctuary Private Tour - Early Morning or Half Day Tour: $50
- My Son - Hoi An Full Day Private Tour With Meals: $75
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $150
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & HOI AN City: $154
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City: $154
- Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port: $179
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $180
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $62
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $45
- Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHoi An $8.59Cebu $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.10
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Cebu, we can see that Cebu is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An 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 Cebu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cebu than you might in Hoi An.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hoi An Expensive? and Is Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Cebu?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An and Cebu, 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 Hoi An or Cebu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Hoi An or Cebu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Cebu. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
Also, February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. September to January in Hoi An is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Cebu. Hoi An usually gets less rain in July than Cebu. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hoi An is around the same temperature as Cebu in the summer. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHoi An 29°C (85°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Cebu in the Autumn?
Both Cebu and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. It's quite rainy in Hoi An. In October, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Cebu. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Hoi An is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hoi An in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHoi An 25°C (78°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Cebu in the Winter?
Both Cebu and Hoi An during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
February to July is the dry season in Hoi An. September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in January than Cebu. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Hoi An is generally cooler than Cebu. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 22°C (71°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHoi An 22°C (71°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Cebu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Cebu. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Hoi An is around the same temperature as Cebu in the spring. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHoi An 26°C (80°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Hoi An
| Hoi An | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.