Which place is cheaper, Napier or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Seoul or Napier?
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 Napier can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul
Seoul is a cultural, bustling, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Seoul travel costs.
Napier
Napier is a relaxed, character-filled, and coastal town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Napier travel costs.
Seoul and Napier: Pros and Cons
Seoul
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
Napier
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Seoul or Napier?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul than Napier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seoul is very popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Napier attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Napier is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. Seoul is famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also well known for Gyeongbokgung Palace.
How is Seoul different from Napier?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Napier and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Napier?
Seoul
Napier
Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Seoul and Napier.
Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Napier can be an interesting and educational experience. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.
Is the Food Better in Seoul or Napier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Seoul
Napier
Seoul is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Nightlife?
Seoul
Napier
Both Seoul and Napier are very good when it comes to partying.
Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Napier has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Music?
Seoul
Napier
Seoul is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Napier is not a live music destination.
Seoul is known as a music capital around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.
Napier is not a live music destination.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Beaches?
Seoul
Napier
Napier is very popular for the beach. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.
With world-famous beaches, Napier is a very popular vacation destination. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.
Seoul is not a beach destination.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Hiking?
Seoul
Napier
Napier is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.
Napier is a popular spot for hiking. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.
Seoul is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Napier?
Seoul
Napier
Seoul is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Seoul. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.
Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Families?
Seoul
Napier
You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Napier.
Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Napier. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Couples?
Seoul
Napier
Both Seoul and Napier are very good destinations to visit as a couple.
Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
Napier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Seoul
Napier
Napier is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Napier is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.
It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Students?
Seoul
Napier
Seoul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Napier is not popular with students.
Seoul is very popular with students. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.
Napier is not popular with students.
Is Seoul or Napier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Seoul
Napier
Seoul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its public transit.
Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
Public transit is generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.
Is Seoul or Napier a more walkable city?
Seoul
Napier
Seoul is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.
Seoul is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.
Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.
For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Napier Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Napier or Seoul?
How long in Seoul or Napier?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Napier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Napier. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Napier.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Napier. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Napier. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
-
How many days in Seoul or Napier? Ideal Length of StaySeoul 3-7Napier 2-3
One day in Seoul or Napier?
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Napier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Seoul or Napier?
Seoul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Napier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Seoul or Napier?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Napier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Napier. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Seoul or Napier?
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Napier. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.
-
Seoul Prices
South Korea PricesNapier Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $128Napier $193
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $128, while the average daily cost in Napier is $193. 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 Napier in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $54Napier $101
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $108Napier $202
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Napier
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Napier? 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 Napier Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $15Napier $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.58
-
Short Taxi Ride$5.01
-
Metro Ride$0.97
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- [Cherry blossom]Gyeongju Tour from SEOUL transfer to BUSAN: $101
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $164
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $90
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Seoul Incheon Airport ICN to Seoul - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- 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 Cruise Terminal(12 pax): $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Napier?
Prices for flights to both Napier 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
-
Food Meals for one daySeoul $51Napier $63
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
-
Waffle$0.72
-
Dippin' Dots$1.43
-
Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
-
Chicken Stick$1.43
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
-
Lunch Buffet$4.30
-
Donut$0.72
-
Mushroom Burger$3.72
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
-
Udon & Sushi$5.01
-
Fresh Burger$3.44
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
-
Fried Rice$3.94
-
Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
-
Donut$1.79
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
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Typical Food Prices in Napier
For Napier, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Casural Lunch$8.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Napier
For Napier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste Hawke's Bay - A Sweet treat food Tour: $115
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $26Napier $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.73
-
Movie Ticket$5.73
-
Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- DMZ, Eunpyeong village and Jinkwansa Temple Private Tour : $212
- Private Garden of Morning Calm Experience: $267
- Private Tour Nami Island & Morning Calm Garden: $256
- Seoul National Museum Walking Tour Experience: $35
- (Closed) Korea’s White House Walking Tour Blue House: $148
- (Small Group) Art and Architecture tour of Seoul: $121
- 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
- 2 Hours Seoul Private Walking Tour Including Pick up: $59
- 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul: $29
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $30
- Aegibong DMZ and Eunpyeong Hanok Village One Day Tour from Seoul: $51
Tours and Activities in Napier
For Napier, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discover Napier Earthquake: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Hawkes Bay Wineries Self-Guided Bike Tour: $39
- National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier Native Icons Tour: $39
- Hawke's Bay: Self Guided Coast to Vineyards Cycle Tour: $46
- Coast to Vineyards Self-Guided Scenic Cycle Tour from Napier: $48
- Shore Excursion Cycle Winery Tour - Half Day, self-guided: $51
- Shore excursion - Napier sight seeing/Art Deco Tour, : $53
- Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Hawkes Bay Wineries Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour: $60
- Napier Discovery Tour: $60
- Small group - Napier City & Art Deco Tour, 2 hours: $65
- Cape Coast Winery Tour on Pedal or E-Bikes: $67
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $12Napier $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 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): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Napier
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Napier are as follows:
-
Wine$12
Sample the Local Flavors in Napier
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Napier:
- Art-Deco + Te Mata Peak+ Garden Walk + Wine Tasting: $86
- Deco Napier, Te Mata Peak, Garden Walk and Wine Tasting Tour: $89
- Half Day Small-Group Hawkes Bay Wine Tour: $101
- Wine Tasting Tour in Napier Region: $104
- Napier Cruise Excursion Art Deco Tour and Wine Tasting: $107
- From Hawke's Bay Small Group Wine Tour: $113
- Napier Art Deco & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $116
- Art Deco Heritage & Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting: $126
- Hawkes Bay - Scenic, luncheon, wine Tour: $131
- Wine Tour and Tastings in Hawkes Bay : $146
- Craggy Range Deluxe - Hawke's Bay Wine Tour : $150
- Craggy Range Deluxe Wine Tour - Private Option: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Napier, we can see that Napier 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 Napier is in Pacific, 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 Napier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napier 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 Napier Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Napier?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Napier. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Napier, 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.
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.