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

Should you visit Matsue 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 Matsue 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: Matsue or Boracay?

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

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 Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Boracay or Matsue?

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 Matsue is $88, while the average daily cost in Boracay is $66. 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 Matsue and Boracay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $27
    Boracay $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $54
    Boracay $46
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Boracay

Looking for a hotel in Matsue 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 Matsue


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: Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $20
    Boracay $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boracay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boracay:

  • Airport Transfer to Boracay or vice versa: $29
  • Boracay Adventures Transfer Services Via Caticlan: $35
  • Boracay to Caticlan Airport (MPH) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Boracay to Caticlan Airport (MPH) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay: $43
  • Shared Transfer from/to MPH for Domestic Passports: $21
  • Two-way Shared Transfer from/to Airport to Hotel: $34
  • Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Arrival Private Transfer : $24
  • Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $53
  • Caticlan: 1-Way or Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Boracay: $27
  • Caticlan: Shared Airport Transfer From/To Boracay: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Boracay?

Prices for flights to both Boracay and Matsue 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
    Matsue $49
    Boracay $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $9.13
    Boracay $15

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
  • Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
  • Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300

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: $6.27
  • Boracay - Crystal Kayak phot-op Experience: $8.95
  • Banana Boat Adventure: $10
  • Boracay Private Land Tour: $13
  • Flying Donut Water Tubing Experience: $14
  • All-Terrain Vehicle or Buggy Car Experience: $15
  • Boracay UFO Adventure: $16
  • Sunset Cruise with Water Activities: $16
  • Boracay Sunset Cruise: $16
  • Boracay Island Rhythm Sunset Cruise: $17
  • Bandwagon Ride Experience: $17
  • Sunset Cruise Boat Party by Haqqy Life: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $7.10
    Boracay $16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Matsue and Boracay, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive? and Is Boracay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Matsue or Boracay?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Boracay. When comparing the sizes of Matsue 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.