Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Bandung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bandung or Lijiang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bandung or Lijiang? 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 Lijiang?
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.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBandung $40Lijiang $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $40, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $41. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBandung $21Lijiang $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBandung $42Lijiang $30
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Lijiang? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bandung $5.76Lijiang $5.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Kec. Batununggal Kel. Kacapiring 40271 to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
- Private Transfer from ciwidey to Bandung Airport (BDO): $57
- Private Transfer from Villa Istana Bunga to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
- Private Transfer from Ujung Genteng Sukabumi to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $210
- Private Transfer from Ujung Genteng Sukabumi to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $210
- Private Transfer from Tamansari to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
- Private Transfer from Sukatani permai to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $68
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Purwakarta Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $109
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi, Sukamakmur, Bogor to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $93
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Sukamakmur Bogor to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $93
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Garut Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $168
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Cianjur Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Shangri-la(Diqing) hotel: $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali : $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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
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Food Meals for one dayBandung $14Lijiang $17
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bandung $5.67Lijiang $20
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Backpacker Style of the Java-Madura-Bali Island Tour 12 Days: $1,544
- Bandung One Day Tour Package: $160
- Kawah Putih Private Tour and Angklung Performance: $45
- Volcano Tour with Hot Springs Swim: $135
- Volcano, Hot Spring, Mud Bathing, & Lake Tour: $64
- Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $50
- Bogor ,west Java Tour: $50
- Day Trip White Crater Ciwidey Bandung All In - Tour Guide: $70
- Full-Day Tour to Bandung White Crater,Lake and Tea Plantation: $82
- Innova Reborn Tour driver car rental in Bandung: $64
- Java Bali Private Tour Package with Driver as Guide: $468
- Java Classic Overland Tour: $1,332
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- 1 day Lijiang Highlights Mini Group Tour: $203
- 1-Day Lijiang tour with Lijiang Old Town,Black Dragon Pool,Baisha Village,Shuhe: $207
- 1-Day Old Town Tour in Lijiang: $166
- 1-Day Private Tour to Lijiang Highlights: $297
- 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
- 2-Days Self-Guided tour from Lijiang to Dali and overnight in Shaxi old town: $212
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang: $221
- Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $208
- Marvelous Gorge Sightseeing and Photo-Taking From Lijiang: $264
- One Day Lijiang Tour Including Tickets: $445
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBandung $3.46Lijiang $7.86
When comparing the travel costs between Bandung and Lijiang, we can see that Lijiang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bandung or Lijiang?
Bandung has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Lijiang. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Lijiang, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.