A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Cebu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sukhothai or Cebu?

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 Sukhothai and Cebu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Cebu?

Sukhothai

If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.

Cebu

Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Sukhothai?

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 Sukhothai is $82, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $80. 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 Sukhothai and Cebu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sukhothai $26
    Cebu $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sukhothai $52
    Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Cebu

Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai or Cebu? 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 Sukhothai


Hotels in Cebu


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: Sukhothai Hotel Prices and Cebu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sukhothai $19
    Cebu $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
  • Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
  • Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
  • Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
  • Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
  • Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
  • Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
  • Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
  • Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $201
  • One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Cebu?

Prices for flights to both Cebu and Sukhothai 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
    Sukhothai $36
    Cebu $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu

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

  • Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
  • Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $46
  • The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
  • Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $91
  • Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
  • Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $100
  • Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $110
  • Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
  • Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
  • Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
  • 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sukhothai $38
    Cebu $17

Tours and Activities in Cebu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:

  • BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
  • Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
  • 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
  • Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
  • BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $62
  • BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $45
  • Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
  • Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
  • Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
  • Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
  • Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
  • Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sukhothai $14
    Cebu $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:

  • Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
  • Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110


When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Cebu, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Cebu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Cebu?

Cebu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Cebu, 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 Sukhothai or Cebu?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Cebu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Cebu. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Cebu. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in July than Cebu. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Cebu in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sukhothai 29°C (84°F) 
    Cebu 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Cebu in the Autumn?

Both Cebu and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cebu. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sukhothai 28°C (83°F) 
    Cebu 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Cebu in the Winter?

Both Cebu and Sukhothai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sukhothai 25°C (77°F) 
    Cebu 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Cebu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. In April, Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cebu. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Cebu in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sukhothai 32°C (89°F) 
    Cebu 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Cebu and Sukhothai

Sukhothai Cebu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 51 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 31°C (87°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)