Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Zhengzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zhengzhou or Seoul?
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 Zhengzhou and Seoul can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Seoul?
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Zhengzhou Prices
China PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $65Seoul $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $128. 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 Zhengzhou and Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $21Seoul $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $42Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Seoul? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhengzhou $14Seoul $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.58
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Short Taxi Ride$5.01
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Metro Ride$0.97
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
- Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $99
- Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
- Private Airport Transfer Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) to Seoul City: $83
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul and Zhengzhou 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhengzhou $36Seoul $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.43
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
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Chicken Stick$1.43
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
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Lunch Buffet$4.30
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.72
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
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Udon & Sushi$5.01
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Fresh Burger$3.44
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
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Fried Rice$3.94
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $5.03Seoul $26
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
- Zhengzhou private day tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu show: $180
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Zhengzhou:Kaifeng Private Day Tour Featuring MUST-SEE Attractions: $209
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.73
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Movie Ticket$5.73
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Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour : $3.58
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
- Gwanghwamun Tour about Korean Society and Local Mindset: $11
- Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $11
- SPAREX Jjimjilbang Sauna Dongmyo branch Admission Ticket(내국인불가): $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong(내국인불가): $12
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $4.04Seoul $12
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Zhengzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Seoul, 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 Zhengzhou or Seoul?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Seoul in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Seoul. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
In the summer, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Seoul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Seoul averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.
Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Seoul. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Seoul in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Seoul. Additionally, many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Seoul. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. In the autumn, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Seoul. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Seoul. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Seoul in the Winter?
Both Seoul and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou is much warmer than Seoul in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul during winter. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Seoul. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Seoul in the Spring?
Both Seoul and Zhengzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Seoul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Seoul averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the spring, Zhengzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
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.