Should you visit Bali or Seoul?
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 Seoul can help you decide which place is right for you.
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.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Seoul or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $65, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $101. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Bali and Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
Bali's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $74. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $37.
Seoul's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $102. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $51.
Food
Bali food costs typically run travelers around $18 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
While meal prices in Seoul can vary, the average travelers spends about $28 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Seoul should cost around $11 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Seoul is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Bali $18
Seoul $28
Typical Food prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
-
Coffee
$1.40
-
Lunch for Two
$15
-
Bali Cafe for Two
$30
-
Lunch for Two
$9.12
-
Lunch for 2
$10
-
Dinner for 2
$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
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Seafood Dinner in Jimbaran Bali:
$4.59
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Bandung Street Food Tour:
$5.40
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Omah Kecebong Fun Outbound and Dinner Experience in Yogyakarta:
$11
-
Yogyakarta Historical Walking and Food Tour:
$13
-
Pirate Dinner Cruise by Sea Safari Cruise in Bali:
$13
-
Online Cooking Class with Chef Juna by Kelas.com:
$18
-
Cooking Class in Ubud:
$21
-
Indonesia Food Online Cooking Class by Masakonline:
$21
-
Cooking Class and Village Tour Experience at Bukit Lawang:
$21
-
Eat while chef is cooking in front of you:
$24
-
Jambangan Bali Cooking Class in Ubud:
$25
-
Visesa Cooking Class in Ubud :
$27
Typical Food prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
-
Jeonju Virtual Tour and Online Cooking Class with Kimchi Chef:
$13
-
Mokpo Virtual Tour and Online Cooking Class with Kimchi Chef:
$13
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Gangneung Virtual Tour and Online Cooking Class with Kimchi Chef:
$13
-
Andong Virtual Tour and Online Cooking Class with Kimchi Chef:
$13
-
Yeot-gangjeong Making Cooking Class in Gangnam:
$17
-
Incheon Sunset and Seafood Tour:
$22
-
Night Market Food Tour:
$48
-
Busan Jagalchi Market Tour and Korean Daily Special Dish Cooking Class:
$49
-
Traditional Korean Cooking Class (Kimchi) & market tour with chef Joungy:
$51
-
Korean Full-Course Meal Cooking Class at Local Home with Local Market Experience in Seoul:
$52
-
Private Traditional Korean Cooking Class and Dongdaemun Market Food Tour by Janet's Cooking Studio:
$52
-
Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour:
$56
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Bali is $8.17 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
The average price of local transportation around Seoul is $15 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
-
Beach Club Shuttle Transfers in Bali:
$3.55
-
Private Komodo Airport (LBJ) Transfers for Labuan Bajo by Fun Adventure :
$4.09
-
Private Transfer Between Batu Cermin Cave and Labuan Bajo:
$4.85
-
Private Transfer Between Marina Harbour and Labuan Bajo:
$4.85
-
Private Blimbingsari Airport (BWX) Transfers for Banyuwangi:
$5.39
-
Private Husein Sastranegara International Airport Transfers (BDO) for Bandung:
$5.45
-
Shared City Transfer to Singaraja :
$5.65
-
Private Juanda Airport Transfer (SUB) for Surabaya:
$5.99
-
Private H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport (TJQ) Transfers for Belitung:
$6.35
-
Private Ngurah Rai International Airport Transfers (DPS) in Bali by Bali Made:
$6.59
-
Private Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG) Transfers for Malang:
$7.05
-
Shared City and Airport Transfers Between Juanda Airport (SUB), Surabaya, Malang, and Batu:
$7.49
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
$4.27
-
Short Taxi Ride
$5.98
-
Metro Ride
$1.15
-
Seoul City Pass Plus
$8.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
-
Shared Transfers between Myeongdong and N Seoul Tower:
$5.19
-
Shared One Way Transfer from Seoul to Nami Island or Gangchon Rail Bike:
$6.59
-
Round Trip Everland Shuttle Bus Transfers from Seoul by World Travel:
$8.25
-
Round Trip Shuttle Bus Transfers to Everland by World Travel:
$8.65
-
Shuttle Bus Transfers between Seoul and Everland by Daesung Tour:
$9.35
-
Round Trip Shuttle Bus Transfers to Everland from Seoul by JINA International Travel:
$9.35
-
Incheon International Airport (ICN) Limousine Bus Transfers for Seoul (Gangnam District):
$12
-
Everland Theme Park Private Transfer:
$16
-
Round Trip DMZ Shuttle Bus Transfers from Seoul:
$22
-
Shared Airport Transfers (ICN/GMP) for Seoul:
$25
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Seoul to Gimpo International Airport (GMP):
$31
-
Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo International Airport (GMP) to Seoul:
$31
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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.
Entertainment
Bali's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $9.79 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Seoul's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $25 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Typical Entertainment prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
-
Spa for Two
$61
-
Snorkelling Trip
$14
-
Cooking School
$32
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
-
Hutan Pinus Pal 16 Cikole Lembang Ticket in Bandung:
$0.39
-
Puncak 9 Bukit Ngisis Ticket in Kulon Progo:
$0.65
-
Mount Halimun National Park and Camping Experience:
$0.69
-
Blue Lagoon Waterfall (Puncak Sari) Ticket in Bali:
$0.89
-
Taman Pelangi Yogyakarta Admission Ticket:
$0.95
-
Jembong Waterfall Ticket in Buleleng Bali:
$0.95
-
Kroya Waterfall Ticket in North Bali:
$0.95
-
Mangli Skyview Ticket in Magelang:
$1.00
-
Rumah Belanda Ticket in Bandung:
$1.19
-
Indonesian Islamic Art Museum Ticket in Lamongan:
$1.25
-
Banyumala Twin Waterfall Ticket in Wanagiri:
$1.29
-
Gereja Ayam Bukit Rhema Ticket in Magelang:
$1.59
Typical Entertainment prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets
$6.83
-
Movie Ticket
$6.83
-
Kimchi Museum
$2.56
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
-
Jeju Samseonghyeol Shrine Admission Ticket:
$0.69
-
Mobile KOREA TOUR CARD (Tmoney):
$2.19
-
Cart Riding, Horse Riding, and Maze Park Experience in Jeju Seri World :
$3.45
-
Norimae Park Ticket in Jeju:
$3.45
-
Jeju Camellia Hill Admission Ticket:
$3.65
-
Royal Seoul Private Tour: Zombie City Exploration Game:
$3.72
-
National Museum of Korea Private Tour: Seoul Exploration Game:
$3.72
-
Alice in Wonderland Ticket in Jeju:
$4.09
-
Alternative Uncover the city's alternative culture on an audio tour:
$5.00
-
Soingook Theme Park Admission Ticket:
$5.05
-
Jeju Marine Animal Museum Admission Ticket:
$5.10
-
Spirited Garden Ticket in Jeju:
$5.19
Alcohol
The average person spends about $2.89 on alcoholic beverages in Bali per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
The average person spends about $11 on alcoholic beverages in Seoul per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Bali
Also in Bali, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Sababay Winery Tour with Wine Tasting in Bali:
$13
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Absolute Busan Pub Crawl Experience in Seomyeon and Haeundae:
$11
-
Absolute Seoul Pub Crawl Experience in Hongdae and Itaewon:
$19
-
Seoul Pub Crawl and Party with Free Shots:
$24
-
3-Hour Small Group Korean Pub Crawl + Food Tasting in Hongdae:
$86
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Seoul, we can see that Seoul 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 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 Bali.
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