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

Should you visit Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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: Xiamen or Cheju (Jeju)?

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical 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 Xiamen?

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 Xiamen is $84, 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 Xiamen and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xiamen $31
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xiamen $62
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Xiamen 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 Xiamen


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.
    Xiamen $6.08
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

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

  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
  • Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
  • Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90

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 Xiamen or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Xiamen 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
    Xiamen $46
    Cheju (Jeju) $29

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.
    Xiamen $16
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

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

  • Sailing & Sea Experience.: $22
  • Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple & Luoyang Bridge Tour: $70
  • Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
  • Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
  • Shanghai Metro Tour: $127
  • Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $132
  • Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $135
  • Tour Guide and Car: Private Day Tour to Yunshuiyao Ancient Village from Xiamen: $140

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
    Xiamen $17
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04


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


Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Cheju (Jeju)?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Xiamen is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Xiamen in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

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

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

In October, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 25°C (77°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

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

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

Xiamen is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Xiamen usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

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

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

In the spring, Xiamen is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Xiamen in April average around 20°C (69°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In April, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Xiamen

Xiamen Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)