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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Cheju (Jeju) 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: Shenzhen or Cheju (Jeju)?

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural 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 Shenzhen?

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 Shenzhen is $140, 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 Shenzhen and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen


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.
    Shenzhen $15
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

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

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

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

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Shenzhen 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
    Shenzhen $35
    Cheju (Jeju) $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
  • Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184

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.
    Shenzhen $17
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
  • Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
  • Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
  • Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
  • Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
  • The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
  • Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $125
  • 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
  • 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
  • 2025 Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju with UNESCO: $81
  • 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
  • 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
  • 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
  • All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
  • East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
  • East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
  • Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04

Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:

  • Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46


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


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Cheju (Jeju)?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen or Cheju (Jeju)?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Cheju (Jeju).

In October, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Cheju (Jeju).

Shenzhen is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

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

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

In the spring, Shenzhen is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)