Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Seoul or Cape Town?
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 Seoul and Cape Town can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Seoul or Cape Town?
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
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Seoul Prices
South Korea PricesCape Town Prices
South Africa Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $118Cape Town $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $118, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $191. 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 Seoul and Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $50Cape Town $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $100Cape Town $178
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Cape Town? 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: Seoul Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $14Cape Town $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.32
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Short Taxi Ride$4.64
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Metro Ride$0.90
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Seoul City Pass Plus$6.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $164
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $90
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Incheon Airport(ICN): $39
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Seoul to Incheon &Gimpo Airport Transfer 24/7 Departure Service: $90
- Seoul Private Transfer Airport Gangneung Jeonju Gyeongju Busan: $13
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $60
- Private transfer from Seoul hotel to Seoul Station and so on: $132
- Private Transfer From Seoul to Incheon Airport One Way: $95
- Private Everland Theme Park Transfer: $215
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $17
- Private Transfer from Cape Town Port to Cape Town Airport (CPT): $19
- Private Transfer from Cape Town Airport (CPT) to Cape Town Port: $19
- Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $20
- Airport Shuttle Transfer to City Center: $22
- Transfer from Cape Town International Airport to Cape Town Areas: $22
- Private Airport Transfers:Cape Town Airport | 4-13 Seater Minibus: $22
- Cape Town Cruise Terminal to Hotels, Lodges vv Transfer: $25
- Cape Town Airport–City Hotels Transfer One Way.: $25
- 1-4 Passenger Cape Town - Airport Transfer: $31
- Private Airport & Hotel Transfers in Cape Town: $31
- Cape Town to Cape Town Airport (CPT) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Seoul 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 daySeoul $47Cape Town $82
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$3.98
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Waffle$0.66
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Dippin' Dots$1.33
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.65
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Chicken Stick$1.33
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.26
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Lunch Buffet$3.98
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Donut$0.66
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Mushroom Burger$3.45
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.19
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Udon & Sushi$4.64
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Fresh Burger$3.18
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Soba Noodles Lunch$2.98
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.32
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Fried Rice$3.65
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.30
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.30
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Donut$1.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Korean Grandma Cooking Class l Gimbap & Kimchi Pancake l Seoul: $52
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $59
- Dinner at a Local's Hanok & Seoul's Night Life: $60
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Incheon Full-Day Sunset and Sea Food Tour: $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From African Dinner and Drumming Experience: $62
- Cape Town Dinner Experience with local family: $67
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $85
- Cape Town African Taste-Safari & Live Entertainment Dinner Experience: $93
- Half Day Cape Town African Dinner Restaurant with Live Music Show: $99
- Cape Town Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $103
- Cape town Dinner Restaurant African Food With Live Music: $108
- Little Mogadishu Food Tour in Bellville, Cape Town: $112
- Half Day Taste of Cape Town Cooking Experience: $118
- The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour: $142
- Full Day Cape Peninsula, Robben Island and Gold 7 Course Dinner: $224
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $24Cape Town $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.30
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Movie Ticket$5.30
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Kimchi Museum$1.99
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- (Private tour) Nami Island + Railbike + Garden of morning calm: $260
- (Private tour) Seoul highlights; Gangnam and beyond Tour: $300
- (Small Group) Art and Architecture tour of Seoul: $121
- 2 hr / Seoul Private Pedicab Tour : Bukchon Anguk Hanok Village: $90
- 2-Hour Private Kayaking and Paddleboarding Experience in Hanriver: $30
- 2026 ARMY Seasonal Special: Follow Idol Journey Day Tour fr Seoul: $72
- 2026 BTS Army Fan Day Tour from Seoul (Follow K-Pop Footsteps): $72
- 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul: $45
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $30
- 365-day DMZ Tour : Signature or Special Flex-Itinerary Edition: $59
- Alpaca World & Nami Island Private Tour: $285
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.94
- Half Hour Seal and Harbour Cruise from Cape Town: $4.98
- Cape Town's original shoreline: a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
- Cape Town live guided Urban Safari: Inner City Tour: $5.61
- Cape Town Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.76
- Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $5.92
- 30min Harbour Boat Cruise Cape Town: $9.96
- The Art of Chocolate Making Bean-To-Bar Experience in Cape Town: $12
- Woodstock and Salt River Street Art Walking Tour: $16
- Wine Safari Tour - Southern Line: $19
- 1- Hour Catamaran Cruise Cape Town: $21
- Bay Sail Adventure on the Spirit of Victoria: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $11Cape Town $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute: $20
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
- Gangnam Premium Pub Crawl with VIP Bottle Service: $81
- From Yeongdong Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Janggu: $91
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Urban Wine Tasting: $31
- Cape Town Hop- On Hop -Off Tour and Groot Constantia Wine Tasting: $34
- Indigenous Food and Wine Tasting: $37
- Cape Point, Penguins & Wine Tasting In Constantia Full Day Tour: $47
- Cape Town Wine Tour: 3 Wineries — Babylonstoren, Fairview & Spier: $48
- Wine Tour at Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl: $48
- Cape Town Hostel Pub Crawl & LinkUps: $53
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $56
- Uncork the Cape : Stellenboch Half Day Wine Tour: $56
- From CapeTown: Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $58
- Wine Tasting, Lion Park and Giraffe House Tour: $65
- Cape Town Shared Wine Tour Stellenbosch Franschhoek Paarl: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Cape Town, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Cape Town is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Cape Town would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Town than you might in Seoul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Cape Town?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cape Town. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Cape Town, 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 Seoul or Cape Town?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Seoul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Seoul or Cape Town in the Summer?
Both Cape Town and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Seoul is a little warmer than Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.
In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin January. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Cape Townin January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySeoul 26°C (78°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Cape Town in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Cape Town. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Seoul is cooler than Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Seoul usually receives more rain than Cape Townin April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSeoul 15°C (59°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Cape Town in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Cape Town. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Cape Townin July. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin July. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Cape Townin July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySeoul -3°C (27°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Cape Town in the Spring?
Both Cape Town and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city.
Seoul is cooler than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Cape Town. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Cape Townin October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSeoul 13°C (55°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Seoul
| Seoul | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 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.