Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju)?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Cheju (Jeju) $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, 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 Koh Samui and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Cheju (Jeju) $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
- Full Moon Party Speedboat Round Trip Transfer: $55
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
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 Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $19Cheju (Jeju) $17
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.49
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) than you might in Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samui experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Cheju (Jeju). Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
In October, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Samui during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Koh Samui is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In the spring, Koh Samui is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).
In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 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.