Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Koh Lanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Koh Lanta or Cebu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Koh Lanta and Cebu 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: Koh Lanta or Cebu?
Koh Lanta
Located on the southern coast of Thailand is a place populated by long beaches and diving hotspots. Consisting of several islands, Koh Lanta is a large island with nine beaches along the coast. The beautiful scenery makes this a quiet and relaxing spot for tourists. The crowds on this island tend to be older than the party-seekers on Ko Phi Phi so you'll find more activities like serene walks on the beach or travelers catching a sunset.
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 Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.
-
Koh Lanta Prices
Thailand PricesCebu Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Lanta $64Cebu $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $64, 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 Koh Lanta and Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Lanta $28Cebu $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Lanta $56Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta 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: Koh Lanta Hotel Prices and Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Lanta $6.52Cebu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:
-
Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta$19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $208
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $104
- CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $91
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $201
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu and Koh Lanta 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 dayKoh Lanta $21Cebu $36
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:
-
Casual Breakfast$5.02
-
Casual Lunch$8.48
-
Casual Dinner$14
-
Fancy Dinner (for Two)$53
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Lanta $35Cebu $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Lanta
Here are a few typical costs in Koh Lanta for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Emerald Cave Tour$22
-
Yoga Session (1 Hour)$11
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City: Walking Tour: $22
- Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $33
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- City Sightseeing Group Tour: $40
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $45
- Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
- Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
- Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
- Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $52
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Lanta $4.36Cebu $14
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 Koh Lanta and Cebu, we can see that Cebu is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Lanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lanta Expensive? and Is Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Cebu?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Cebu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Cebu in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Cebu. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Lanta 27°C (81°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Cebu in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Cebu. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Cebu. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in October than Cebu. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Cebu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Lanta 27°C (81°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Cebu in the Winter?
Both Cebu and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta is January to April. In January, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Cebu. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lanta in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Cebu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Lanta 27°C (80°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Lanta or Cebu in the Spring?
Both Cebu and Koh Lanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in April than Cebu. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 29°C (85°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Lanta 29°C (85°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Koh Lanta
| Koh Lanta | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 355 mm (14 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.