A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Kao-hsiung for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bandung or Kao-hsiung?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bandung or Kao-hsiung? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bandung or Kao-hsiung?

Bandung

Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.

Kao-hsiung

Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan.


Which place is cheaper, Kao-hsiung or Bandung?

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 Bandung is $48, while the average daily cost in Kao-hsiung is $134. 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 Bandung and Kao-hsiung in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bandung $20
    Kao-hsiung $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bandung $40
    Kao-hsiung $120
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Kao-hsiung

Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Kao-hsiung? 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 Bandung


Hotels in Kao-hsiung


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: Bandung Hotel Prices and Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bandung $5.54
    Kao-hsiung $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung

Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Mampang to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $35
  • Private Transfer from Sadang Serang to Bandung Airport (BDO): $37
  • Private Transfer from Kel. Sekejati to Bandung Airport (BDO): $37
  • Private Transfer from Kel. Samoja to Bandung Airport (BDO): $37
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Kel. Samoja: $37
  • Private Transfer from Pagerwangi to Bandung Airport (BDO): $37
  • Private Transfer from Cihideung to Bandung Airport (BDO): $37
  • Private Transfer from Dusun Mulya Bhakti to Bandung Airport (BDO): $37
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to 40294 Arcamanik, Bandung City: $37
  • Private Transfer from Citeureup City to Bandung Airport (BDO): $37
  • Private Transfer from Malabar to Bandung Airport (BDO): $37
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Paledang: $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:

  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $75
  • Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $192
  • Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer : $50
  • Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $134
  • Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Kao-hsiung?

Prices for flights to both Kao-hsiung and Bandung 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
    Bandung $24
    Kao-hsiung $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.

  • Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain : $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bandung $5.45
    Kao-hsiung $22

Tours and Activities in Bandung

For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Indonesia: Dago Dreampark Bandung Tickets: $9.93
  • Bandung Volcano Sightseeing and Hot Spring Private Tour: $43
  • Private Guided to The White Crater & Surrounding Areas Tour: $45
  • Private Guide Bandung Tour Car Charter: $49
  • Bogor ,west Java Tour: $50
  • Bandung Tour All In, White Crater, Volcano Mountain, Hot Spring : $52
  • Private Tour to Bandung Volcano Hot Springs and Mud bathing: $55
  • Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including : $57
  • Bandung Tour Volcano, Hotsprings, Mud, Tea, Lunch all Included: $60
  • Innova Reborn Tour driver car rental in Bandung: $62
  • Bandung Crater Adventure Hotspring and Mud Bath: $70
  • Batukaras Countryside & Canyon Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:

  • 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $200
  • Alishan Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $90
  • Buddha Museum- Half Day Tour : $90
  • Classic Northern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
  • Classic Southern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
  • Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
  • Kaohsiung Area Classic Tour: $255
  • Kaohsiung City Walking Day Tour: $70
  • Kaohsiung Departure - Tainan City Day Tour: $220
  • Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
  • Kaohsiung Private Tour with Transportation : $249
  • Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bandung $3.32
    Kao-hsiung $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bandung or Kao-hsiung?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Kao-hsiung. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Kao-hsiung, 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.