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

Should you visit Tianjin or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Should I visit Tianjin or Cheju (Jeju)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tianjin or Cheju (Jeju)?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

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 Tianjin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, 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 Tianjin and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $34
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $68
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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 Tianjin


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.
    Tianjin $36
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

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

  • Beijing Airport Transfer from Tianjin International Cruise Port: $130
  • Beijing: Private Roundtrip Transfer to Great Wall of China: $68
  • Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Airport: $280
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
  • Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $118
  • One Way Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing with Guide: $216
  • Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
  • Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Any Tianjin Railway Station to City Hotel: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • 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 Airport Transfer: $20

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

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Tianjin 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
    Tianjin $20
    Cheju (Jeju) $17

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $151
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Hotel With the English Speaking Driver: $160
  • 4-Hour Private Tianjin Walking Tour with Dim Sum: $168
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
  • Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
  • 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

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

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


When comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Tianjin 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 Tianjin Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Cheju (Jeju)?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Cheju (Jeju).

Tianjin is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju) in the summer. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the summer, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju). Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

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

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

In the autumn, Tianjin is cooler than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tianjin in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

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

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Tianjin in the winter. In January, Tianjin is generally much colder than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around -3°C (27°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the winter, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Cheju (Jeju).

Tianjin is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju) in the spring. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Tianjin

Tianjin Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)