A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Cebu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krabi or Cebu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Cebu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Krabi or Cebu?

Krabi

Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.

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 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Krabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $72, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $74. 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 Krabi and Cebu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $41
    Cebu $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $82
    Cebu $46
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Cebu

Looking for a hotel in Krabi 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.

Hotels in Krabi


Hotels in Cebu


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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Cebu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.27
    Cebu $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.21
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $3.07
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.46
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $6.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $14
  • Ferry Transfer To or From Phi Phi Don Island: $14
  • One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
  • Krabi to Khao Sok Transfer by Air-Conditioned Van: $19
  • Private Departure Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport: $20
  • Krabi to Khao Lak Transfer by AC Van: $20
  • Krabi to Koh Lanta Transfer by Shared Air Conditioned Van: $20
  • Krabi to Koh Phi Phi By Ferry Include Pickup Transfer: $21
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Airport Arrival to Krabi Hotel: $21
  • TAXI AIRPORT TRANSFER to LAGUNA Beach Area: $22
  • Speedboat Transfer to/from Tonsai or Laemtong Beach: $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:

  • Trusted Airport transfer to Mactan Resorts or Cebu Hotels: $80
  • Sumilon Bluewater Resort Day Use w lunch and transfer from Cebu: $200
  • Shared Joiners Transfer to Maya Port for Malapascua Island: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mactan-Cebu International Airport: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Hotel: $27
  • Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
  • Private Airport to Hagnaya Going to Bantayan Island Transfer: $122
  • Private Airport Transfer: Cebu Airport (CEB) → Cebu City Hotels: $33
  • Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
  • Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour w/ Transfers Option: $22
  • Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $204
  • Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Cebu?

Prices for flights to both Cebu and Krabi 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
    Krabi $24
    Cebu $34
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.67
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $7.37
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $19
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $34
  • Mango Shake
    $1.53
  • Pad Thai
    $3.07
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.84
  • Pancakes
    $3.07
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $32
  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Island Hopping with BBQ Dinner by Big Boat: $36
  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $40
  • Small-Group Smart Thai Cooking Class in Krabi: $40
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $40
  • Krabi Best of 7 islands Adventure Tour with Beachside BBQ Dinner: $42
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset Tour By Long Tail Boat with BBQ Dinner: $43
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $44
  • Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night: $44
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $45
  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $46

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: $45
  • Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
  • Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
  • Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
  • Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
  • Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
  • Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $11
    Cebu $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thai-English Book
    $10
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $25
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $18
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $13
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $7.67
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $58

Tours and Activities in Krabi

For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.05
  • 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat Krabi + Lunch + Pick Up + Drop Off: $20
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Show Tickets Krabi: $22
  • Jurassic World Filming Tour Kayak and ATV Adventure in Krabi: $24
  • Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi: $24
  • Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $25
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $26
  • Kayaking Tour at Klong Root (Crystal Lake), Krabi: $26
  • Shooting Range Experience in Krabi: $27
  • Saitai Mountain Tail ATV Adventure From Krabi: $27
  • Railay Beach Golden Sunset and Glowing Plankton Tour from Krabi: $27
  • Krabi Jungle Escape Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour: $28

Tours and Activities in Cebu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:

  • 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: $61
  • BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
  • BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
  • Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $115
  • Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $128
  • Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
  • Beginner Scuba Diving in Moalboal | Safe & Easy Experience: $65
  • Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $53
  • Bohol Countryside Day Tour w Lunch at Loboc River From Cebu: $142
  • Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City | Private Tour: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $4.89
    Cebu $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.76
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $9.21

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Krabi Pub Crawl: $16
  • Railay Pub Crawl: $16

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 comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Cebu, we can see that Cebu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Cebu?

Cebu has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi 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 Krabi 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 Krabi or Cebu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Cebu. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.

August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Cebu. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Cebu. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Cebu in the summer. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Cebu 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Cebu in the Autumn?

Both Cebu and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi 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 Krabi is December to March. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Cebu. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Krabi is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krabi in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Cebu 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Cebu in the Winter?

Both Cebu and Krabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Krabi. Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Cebu 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Cebu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives more rain than Cebu. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Cebu in the spring. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Cebu 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Cebu and Krabi

Krabi Cebu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)