A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Baltimore for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Baltimore?

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 Bali and Baltimore can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bali and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Baltimore?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bali than Baltimore. While Baltimore is larger than Bali, Bali has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Bali is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Bali different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore and Bali. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Baltimore?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Bali just to party. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Bali is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Bali is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Hiking?

Bali is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Baltimore?

Both Bali and Baltimore are very good shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Baltimore.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Bali is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Bali has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Baltimore is a good island for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Bali or Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Bali?

How long in Bali or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Baltimore. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

Families should spend more time in Bali than Baltimore. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bali, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bali than Baltimore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bali that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Baltimore if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bali.

One day in Bali or Baltimore?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Baltimore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Baltimore?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lush destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Baltimore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and food around the lush island of Bali. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Baltimore. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Baltimore?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The vibrant city of Baltimore offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Baltimore is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Baltimore, 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 Bali or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Baltimore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

Bali is around the same temperature as Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Baltimore. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in October than Baltimore. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Bali usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months.

Bali is much warmer than Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Bali