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

Should you visit Bali or Nanjing?

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

Where Should I go: Bali or Nanjing?

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.

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Bali?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $73, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $96. 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 Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $42
    Nanjing $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $84
    Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Bali and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Bali or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing


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 $9.03
    Nanjing $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

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


  • Motorbike Rental
    $3.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $103
  • Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Nusa Dua: $23
  • Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Uluwatu & South Kuta: $31
  • Bali Gili Fast Boat Transfer Ticket All Inclusive: $51
  • Bali Massage with Transfer to International Bali Airport (DPS): $58
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure with Including Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $59
  • Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Bali Spa Treatment with Airport Transfers (Departure): $56
  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $109
  • Bali Tours 4U Airport and Seaport transfers. 24 hours a day.: $21
  • Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
  • Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Nanjing Any Railway Station: $34
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing Railway Station: $44
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $21
    Nanjing $28
Typical Food Prices in Bali

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


  • Coffee
    $1.24
  • Lunch for Two
    $14
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $27
  • Lunch for Two
    $8.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.93
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

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

  • ​​The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $28
  • Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $30
  • Uluwatu Temple Kecak And Dinner Half Day Private Guided Tour: $30
  • Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
  • Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
  • Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
  • From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
  • From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
  • Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
  • Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

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

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $11
    Nanjing $9.27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

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


  • Spa for Two
    $54
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $28

Tours and Activities in Bali

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

  • Bali Water Sports Adventure: $7.89
  • Bali Bird Park 1-Day Admission Ticket: $8.97
  • Private Tour to New Indonesia Urban Destination: $13
  • Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $14
  • Uluwatu Temple and Karang Boma Cliff Tour with Tickets: $15
  • Best of Ubud Full Day Private Guided Tour: $19
  • All-Inclusive White Water Rafting Adventure in Ubud: $19
  • 1-Day Instant Entry Ticket to Waterbom Bali: $19
  • Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces, Temple & Waterfalls Tour: $19
  • Bali Nusa Dua Theatre: Devdan Show Tickets: $19
  • Ubud: Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Private Tour: $20
  • All Inclusive Bali Snorkeling Blue Lagoon tour experience : $20

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $3.20
    Nanjing $9.46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bali or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?

Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?

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

Bali is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Bali or Nanjing in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Bali usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Bali or Nanjing in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bali 26°C (79°F) 
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Bali or Nanjing in the Spring?

Both Nanjing 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.

Bali is much warmer than Nanjing in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Nanjing. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bali 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nanjing and Bali

Bali Nanjing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)