A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kao-hsiung vs. Boracay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Boracay?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kao-hsiung and Boracay can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Kao-hsiung or Boracay?

Kao-hsiung

Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.

Boracay

A small island in the Philippines known for its resorts and beaches, Boracay is a little escape. Each beach has its own unique character, each with new treasures waiting to be discovered.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, and The Best Adventure Tours to Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Boracay or Kao-hsiung?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $102, while the average daily cost in Boracay is $56. 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 Kao-hsiung and Boracay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kao-hsiung $56
    Boracay $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kao-hsiung $112
    Boracay $46
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Boracay

Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Boracay? 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 Kao-hsiung


Hotels in Boracay


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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $11
    Boracay $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:

  • Explore Kaohsiung - 8 Hours Private Transfers - Best of Kaohsiung Sites: $179
  • Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $49
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Taitung Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $152
  • Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
  • Kaohsiung International Airport and Kaohsiung City Transfer: $41
  • Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $71
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boracay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boracay:

  • Shared Transfer from/to MPH for Domestic Passports: $21
  • Airport Transfer to Boracay or vice versa: $26
  • Departure: Ferry boat Transfer Boracay to Caticlan Airport: $30
  • Boracay Adventures Transfer Services Via Caticlan: $35
  • Caticlan: Ferry Boat Airport Transfer To Boracay: $41
  • Private Transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay: $43
  • Caticlan: Shared Airport Transfer From/To Boracay: $54
  • PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER TO BORACAY: $59
  • Boracay Transfer round trip with Island Hopping: $69
  • Speedboat Caticlan to Boracay Transfer (Oneway): $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Boracay?

Prices for flights to both Boracay and Kao-hsiung 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
    Kao-hsiung $32
    Boracay $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $20
    Boracay $15

Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:

  • Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
  • Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: $75
  • Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
  • Day Tour to Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower and Anping Castle : $87
  • Tainan Siraya Nature and Culture One Day Tour: $90
  • Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour: $100
  • Half-day tour Kaohsiung: $103
  • Kaohsiung Walking Day Tour: $130
  • Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $150
  • Kaohsiung /Pingtung Day Tour : $150
  • Private Tour Tainan Ancient Capital and Wushantou Reservoir: $156
  • Private Tour Alishan Culture and Ecology from Kaohsiung: $156

Tours and Activities in Boracay

Here are a few actual costs in Boracay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Crystal Kayak Photo-op Experience: $6.31
  • Boracay - Crystal Kayak phot-op Experience: $9.02
  • Flying Donut Water Tubing Experience: $14
  • Boracay UFO Adventure: $16
  • Sunset Cruise with Water Activities: $16
  • Boracay Sunset Cruise: $16
  • Island and Beach-Hopping Boat Tour with Snorkeling: $20
  • Boracay Island Rhythm Sunset Cruise: $21
  • Stand-up Paddleboard Experience: $22
  • Helmet Diving Experience with Photos and Videos: $22
  • All-Terrain Vehicle or Buggy Car Experience: $23
  • Boracay Optional Tours and Packages: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kao-hsiung $10
    Boracay $16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kao-hsiung and Boracay, we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. And not only is Boracay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boracay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boracay 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 Kao-hsiung would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kao-hsiung than you might in Boracay.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kao-hsiung Expensive? and Is Boracay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Boracay?

Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 660 times larger than the population of Boracay. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Boracay, 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.