A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manila vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manila or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Manila and Cheju (Jeju) can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Cheju (Jeju)?

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

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 Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Manila?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, 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 Manila and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $55
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $110
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Manila and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Manila 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.

Hotels in Manila


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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: Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
  • Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
  • Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
  • Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
  • Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $37
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
  • Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Manila 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
    Manila $18
    Cheju (Jeju) $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
  • Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $20
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

Tours and Activities in Manila

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

  • Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
  • Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
  • ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
  • ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
  • Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
  • [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
  • Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
  • Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
  • Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
  • jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
  • Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $63
  • Private Tour Cheonjeyeon Falls & Osulloc Museum in Jeju Island : $65
  • Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $66
  • Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Bus Tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.97
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manila or Cheju (Jeju)?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Manila or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.

In the summer, Manila is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Manila or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Cheju (Jeju). Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Manila is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Manila or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.

Manila is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Manila or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Manila during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Manila

Manila Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)