Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Phuket or Cheju (Jeju)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Cheju (Jeju), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Phuket or Cheju (Jeju)?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in 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 dayPhuket $105Cheju (Jeju) $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $105, 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 Phuket and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $56Cheju (Jeju) $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $112Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $11Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.18
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $70
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $139
- Airport Private Arrival Transfers to Phuket: $45
- Airport Private Departure Transfers from Phuket: $45
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $61
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $37
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $93
- Arrival Transfer Phuket Airport HKT to Talang, Kathu or Muang: $21
- Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer : $112
- Blue Tree Water Park Ticket with Transfer : $57
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $37
- Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- 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 island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $22Cheju (Jeju) $17
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.88
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Thai Noodles$2.45
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Bananas$0.68
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Pizza (for Two)$8.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
- Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 4 Dishes Menu): $47
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
- Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
- Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Twilight Stylish Sky Set Dinner - The SIS Kata Resort : $54
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
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.Phuket $42Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$25
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
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Thai Oil Massage$17
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Surfboard Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Botanic Garden Admission Ticket: $3.02
- The Selfie Experience Phuket Admission Ticket: $4.16
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $11
- Phuket to Phi Phi Tonsai Ferry by Royal Jet Cruiser with Pickup Service: $13
- Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Trickeye Museum Day Admission Ticket: $15
- Baan Teelanka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $16
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Original Discovery Tour: $17
- Simon Cabaret Phuket Show Admission Ticket: $20
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $6.35Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$5.46
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Beer$2.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
- Pub Crawl Tour: $25
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $78
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $97
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
In July, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Phuket during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Phuket is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju). Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Phuket is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Cheju (Jeju). Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Phuket is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun.
Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Phuket
| Phuket | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.