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

Should you visit Nanjing or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Should I visit Nanjing 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: Nanjing or Cheju (Jeju)?

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


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

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 Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Nanjing and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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 Nanjing


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nanjing $39
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $47
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
  • Nanjing to Hangzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $52
  • Nanjing to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
  • Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70

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

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Nanjing 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
    Nanjing $49
    Cheju (Jeju) $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

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

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

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


  • Burger
    $4.44
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.41
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
  • Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
  • Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
  • Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
  • Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
  • Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
  • Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
  • Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
  • Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
  • Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.61
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04


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


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Cheju (Jeju)?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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 Nanjing or Cheju (Jeju)?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Nanjing is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Cheju (Jeju).

It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. In the winter, Nanjing is much colder than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Cheju (Jeju).

In April, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cheju (Jeju). Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Nanjing

Nanjing Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)