A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours Australia vs. Indonesia

Should you visit Australia or Indonesia?

Indonesia is a much cheaper place to travel around in than its southern neighbor, Australia. Indonesia's overall lower cost of living equates to amazing deals and a great value for travelers to its beautiful beaches and rich jungles.

Australia is a large and diverse country both in its landscapes and cultures. On the coasts you'll find great beautiful beaches and big cities. In the north are tropical areas known for wildlife. And in the center is deserts, forests, and geological wonders like no place else on Earth. The Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, the Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock, Surfer's Paradise, and the Sydney Opera House are just a few of the world famous locations to see in Australia.

Indonesia is a relatively inexpensive destination known for beautiful tropical beaches, exotic jungles teeming with wildlife, and large urban areas full of culture and markets. Visitors to Indonesia are often surprised at the number of activities to do and places to visit, as once they step away from the beach, they find historic temples, eco-tourism adventures, jungle and mountain hiking, and more.

Which country is cheaper, Indonesia or Australia?

Should I visit Australia or Indonesia? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Indonesia can cost you about $422 (per person), while a week in Australia may cost you around $1,139. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Indonesia or Australia can really add to your travel budget.

Accommodation is often cheaper in Indonesia compared to Australia ($31 vs. $70). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.

Compare hotel prices here: Australia Hotel Prices and Indonesia Hotel Prices.

Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Indonesia and Australia to find the cheapest accommodation here: Indonesia hostels and Australia hostels.

When comparing food in Australia vs. Indonesia they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Australia ($35) are often cheaper than Indonesia ($16).


  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Australia $163
    Indonesia $60
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Australia $70
    Indonesia $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Australia $140
    Indonesia $63
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Australia $30
    Indonesia $8.98
  • Food Meals for one day
    Australia $35
    Indonesia $16
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Australia $31
    Indonesia $9.78
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Australia $14
    Indonesia $4.92
  • Water Bottled water for one day
    Australia $3.59
    Indonesia $1.19
How much are flights to Australia and Indonesia?

The price of a plane ticket may help you decide which country you should visit.




Find a Hostel in Australia or Indonesia

Hostels, guest houses, and locally owned B&B's are often the cheapest form of accommodation.


Australia
Indonesia




When is the best time to visit Australia and Indonesia?
Canberra (Tourism Australia) Canberra (Tourism Australia)
Australia, being in the southern hemisphere, experiences warm summer months from November to April, and colder winter months from May to October. However, northern Australia is fairly close to the equator, and experiences warmer weather year-round. At the same time, southern Australia experiences four full seasons (much like the U.S. and Europe), with cold winters and warm, humid summers.

Much of northern Australia can be visited year-round due to the warm tropical climate and mild winters. However, the best time to visit Australia's beaches and big cities of the southeast is in the Spring, Summer, and Fall (avoiding June, July, and August as they are the coldest months). Traveling to Australia in the shoulder seasons can often lead to cheaper prices.

Much of Indonesia is very close to the equator and quite tropical. Therefore, the seasons are divided between wet and dry depending on seasonal winds. The dry season is from May to September, while the wet season is from October to April. A few places have an exception to this (such as Sumatra), but you can expect warm tropical temperatures everywhere in the country.

Why is Australia more expensive than Indonesia?
Australia is a modern, first world nation with a high cost of living, modern technological and industrial economy, and thriving middle class. All of these factors raise the overall prices for travel in Australia compared to much of the world, especially some of its Pacific and Asian neighbors.

Modern hotels and restaurants can be found everywhere, providing the level of luxury and modern conveniences that western tourists from the U.S. and Europe expect. However, this level of luxury comes at a higher price.

The overall low cost of living of Indonesia, combined with low wages and a massive population has left the tourism industry with plenty of competition, especially compared to some of its Asian neighbors. For western travelers from the U.S., Australia, or Europe, this means that Indonesia is a dream destination for a cheap price (once you pay for a plane ticket). With some of the most beautiful tropical destinations in the world available for extremely low prices, it's easy to see why this is a popular destination.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in Australia and Indonesia?
Ubud, Bali Ubud, Bali
The beach areas of Australia can be fairly expensive, especially in the peak summer months. The east coast beaches in Queensland from Bisbane and the Gold Coast all the way up to Cairns are full of higher-end hotels and restaurants. However, cheaper options can be found as there are also plenty of hostels, budget hotels, and less expensive restaurants. The areas around the Whitsunday Islands and the launching points for the Great Barrier Reef can also be pricey.

The larger cities of Australia, especially those in the southeast, can get expensive as well. While budget options are available, expect prices to be generally higher for most services.

Tours and excursions into the Outback and central areas of Australia can sometimes be expensive due to the great distances that must be traveled as well as the prices for activities such as visiting national parks, hiking and trekking, etc.

Tourism has driven up prices in some areas of Indonesia, namely Bali, Lombok, and some of the surrounding islands known for their beaches and scenery. If other travelers are flocking to an area, then expect prices to be higher.

In the larger cities of Indonesia, it's possible to find a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and activities at a variety of prices. Budget hotels and hostels are often found not far from high-end luxury hotels. If you want luxury, you can expect to pay a fair amount more for it, but it is still usually of good value and quality.

In the countryside, prices can be very cheap, especially in off-the-beaten path locations.

How you can save money when visiting Australia and Indonesia?
In Australia, booking ahead for hotels and hostels can often save you money and provide the ability to shop around.

Public transportation in Australian cities is cheap and efficient, and sometimes even free. Use it whenever possible. Look for long distance bus routes between major cities if renting a car is too expensive. Also, the train can be an affordable and relaxing option.

Eat the street food. In Indonesia, small eateries known as "warungs" are everywhere in urban areas. They offer delicious food at a cheap price. Also, buying food at local markets is significantly cheaper than at restaurants or larger stores.

Flying between the islands of Indonesia can get expensive. Instead, pick just a few islands and stick to them, or look for the less expensive ferry boats. Use public transportation whenever possible.

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.
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