Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi 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: Kanchanaburi or Cebu?
Kanchanaburi
If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.
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 Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $42Cebu $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $65. 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 Kanchanaburi and Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $19Cebu $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $38Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi 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: Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices and Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $12Cebu $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Transfer Cebu City - Bantayan Island: $70
- Seamless Transfer from MactanCebu Airport to Your City Hotel: $23
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Oslob Car Hire and Transfers: $150
- Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer: $108
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu and Kanchanaburi 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 dayKanchanaburi $12Cebu $21
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch$4.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thai Cooking Class: $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $67
- Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $69
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $89
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $108
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $9.10Cebu $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Entry Park TreeHouse$5.46
Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discovery Bike Tour: $16
- Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
- Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
- Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
- Private Tour: Trekking Kanchanaburi Forest to Tham Than Lod: $108
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
- Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
- Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $139
- Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour: $144
- Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- A snorkelling tour to Cebu’s Hilutungan: $130
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $84
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $80
- Beach Adventure: $85
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour from Cebu City or Mactan - Best Seller: $155
- Bohol Countryside Joiners Tour From Cebu City: $144
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City: $213
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City All Day Tour; An Unforgettable Experience of Cebu.: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $8.03Cebu $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Cebu, we can see that Cebu is more expensive. And not only is Kanchanaburi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kanchanaburi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kanchanaburi Expensive? and Is Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Cebu?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi or Cebu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Cebu. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Cebu. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Cebu. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cebu in the Autumn?
Both Cebu and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Cebu. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Cebu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cebu in the Winter?
Both Cebu and Kanchanaburi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Cebu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cebu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Cebu. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 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.