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

Should you visit Bandung or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Nagano? 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Bandung?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $40, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bandung $21
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bandung $42
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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 Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bandung $5.76
    Nagano $9.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung

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

  • 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 Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Kesenden: $168
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Garut Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $168
  • Private Transfer from Pejambon to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $168
  • Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Sunyaragi: $168
  • Private Transfer from Pekalangan to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $168
  • Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Jagasatru: $168
  • Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Larangan: $168
  • Private Transfer from Larangan to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $168
  • Private Transfer from Kesenden to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $168
  • Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Kalijaga: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685

Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $14
    Nagano $22

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bandung $5.67
    Nagano $8.16

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 Nagano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.

  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bandung $3.46
    Nagano -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bandung or Nagano?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Nagano, 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.