A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Hongcun for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bali or Hongcun?

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 Hongcun can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bali or Hongcun?

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Bali?

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 Bali is $85, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $67. 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 Bali and Hongcun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $40
    Hongcun $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $80
    Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Bali and Hongcun

Looking for a hotel in Bali or Hongcun? 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 Bali


Hotels in Hongcun


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: Bali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bali $8.68
    Hongcun $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $2.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Denpasar HTL-APT(DPS) : $8.88
  • Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
  • Denpasar Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $25
  • Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Uluwatu & South Kuta: $31
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $32
  • Ride Bali ATV Adventure Ticket And Transfer: $34
  • Bali Nusa Dua Combo Parasailing And Snorkeling Include Transfer: $35
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure with Including Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
  • LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Hongcun?

Prices for flights to both Hongcun and Bali 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
    Bali $34
    Hongcun $33
Typical Food Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.19
  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $26
  • Lunch for Two
    $7.75
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.59
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.

  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $36
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $40
  • South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
  • Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
  • Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
  • Bali Street Food Tour: $65
  • Sidemen Cooking Class: $77
  • Pure Bali Village Experience, Cooking & Jamu Class+VIP Transfer: $89

Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.91
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $10
    Hongcun $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $52
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $27

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $14
  • Best of Ubud Full Day Private Guided Tour: $14
  • Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Melasti Beach: $15
  • Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Uluwatu Temple: $17
  • Uluwatu Kecak Tickets A Spectacular Show: $17
  • Besakih Mother Temple Tukad Cepung East Bali Private Guided Tour: $23
  • Alas Harum Bali Cretya Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Swing Ticket: $25
  • Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay: $27
  • Bali Quad Bike ATV Rides in Uluwatu Experiences: $28
  • Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall Private Guided Tour : $28
  • Uluwatu Temple Entry and Kecak Fire Dance Ticket: $29
  • Uluwatu & Kecak Dance Tour: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $3.07
    Hongcun $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Hongcun, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali than you might in Hongcun.

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



When is the best time to visit Bali or Hongcun?

Hongcun 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 Hongcun in the Summer?

Both Hongcun and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.

In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Hongcun. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hongcun averages at about 29°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Hongcun 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Bali or Hongcun in the Autumn?

Both Hongcun and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Bali is generally a little warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Bali usually gets less rain in October than Hongcun. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Hongcun 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Bali or Hongcun in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.

The weather in Hongcun can be very cold. Bali is much warmer than Hongcun in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Hongcun fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bali 26°C (79°F) 
    Hongcun 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Bali or Hongcun in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Hongcun. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hongcun averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Hongcun. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Hongcun. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Hongcun 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Hongcun and Bali

Bali Hongcun
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)