Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Johor Bahru?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Johor Bahru can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Johor Bahru?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesJohor Bahru Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $103Johor Bahru $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $103, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $68. 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 Bangkok and Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $49Johor Bahru $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $98Johor Bahru $84
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Johor Bahru? 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.42Johor Bahru $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.46
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Skytrain Ticket$4.91
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.98
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Ferry Ride$0.80
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Taxi From Airport$7.67
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Short Taxi Ride$2.76
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Boat Taxi$1.53
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Trains to airport$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Museum of Contemporary Art Moca Bangkok Entry Ticket and transfer: $14
- Private Transfer from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK): $15
- Bangkok Ancient City Admission Ticket With Optional Transfers: $15
- Shared Airport Transfer: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Bangkok Hotel: $19
- Transfer Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK) to Bangkok City Center: $19
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Private Transfer – Toll Included: $19
- Bangkok Airport & Intercity Transfers by Spacious Private Vehicle: $20
- Bangkok Premium Private SUV and MPV Transfer: $20
- Bangkok Airport(BKK) to Bangkok hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
- Bangkok Airport(BKK) to Bangkok hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
- Bangkok City Tour with Guided Temple Visits and Shared Transfers: $20
- Bangkok Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Tour with Transfers: $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $105
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Car]: $250
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuala Besut Transfer [Van]: $135
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $94
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Penang Island Transfer [Van]: $156
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru to Cameron Highland Hotels (Door to Door) Private Transfer: $235
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $125
- Johor Bahru to Mersing jetty Private Transfer: $95
- Johor Hotels to Malacca Hotels (Door to Door) Transfer: $143
- LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $36Johor Bahru $17
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.14
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.38
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.92
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.14
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Pad Thai$2.15
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Airport Lunch for 2$17
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Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck Ticket with Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $25
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $27
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
- Bangkok Sawasdee Sunset Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM+Beer FreeFlow: $27
- Chao Phraya River Meridian Dinner Buffet Cruise Tour: $28
- Chao Phraya Princess Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $29
- Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $30
- Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $30
- Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $31
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $31
- Bangkok Newest Luxury Noah Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $18Johor Bahru $8.28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.91
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.53
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.14
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Club Cover Charge$12
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$74
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Fish Pedicure$4.60
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.07
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Chinatown Eats: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Bangkok Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Chao Phraya Tourist Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat from Bangkok: $6.28
- Bangkok Walking Tour 2h40 and 22 audio reviews: $6.75
- Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $6.99
- Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl.): $6.99
- Chinatown & Golden Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl): $6.99
- Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Erawan Museum & Ancient City Admission Ticket - Bangkok: $10
- Skip the Line: Patpong Museum Guided Tour: $11
- Bangkok Meland Siam Paragon Entry Ticket: $11
Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
- Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $6.62
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
- Wings of Time Admission Ticket: $14
- Universal Studios Ticket Singapore: $16
- Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $17
- Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony Tickets: $18
- Malaysia: Johor Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Entry Ticket: $18
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $20
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $21
- Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
- Singapore: Madame Tussauds Sentosa E-Ticket: $22
- Legoland Malaysia Admission Ticket (All Rides & Attractions): $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.60Johor Bahru $5.40
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $21
- The Original Speakeasy & Iconic Venues Pub Crawl: $22
- GoGo Bar Crawl With Party Vehicle and Party Guide: $63
- Bangkok Bar Crawl by Tuk Tuk: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Johor Bahru, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Johor Bahru would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Johor Bahru 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok than you might in Johor Bahru.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Johor Bahru?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Johor Bahru. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Johor Bahru, 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.