A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Darjiling vs. Jakarta for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Darjiling or Jakarta?

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

Should I visit Darjiling or Jakarta? 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: Darjiling or Jakarta?

Darjiling

What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.

Jakarta

As Indonesia's capital and largest city, Jakarta rests on the northwest coast of the island of Java. It is the country's economic, cultural, and political center with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Jakarta or Darjiling?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Darjiling is $35, while the average daily cost in Jakarta is $64. 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 Darjiling and Jakarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Darjiling $13
    Jakarta $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Darjiling $26
    Jakarta $66
Compare Hotels in Darjiling and Jakarta

Looking for a hotel in Darjiling or Jakarta? 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 Darjiling


Hotels in Jakarta


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: Darjiling Hotel Prices and Jakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Darjiling $7.48
    Jakarta $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling

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

  • Rafting Journey at the Down on Teesta River's White Water with Private Transfer: $197
  • Private Transfers Darjeeling - Gangtok Drop: $98
  • Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $49

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $1.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

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

  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $211
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency: $168
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Garut Regency: $168
  • Private Airport Transfer Jakarta VIP Luxury Van: $141
  • Jakarta Airport CGK to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $127
  • Private Transfer between Jakarta and Bandung: $120
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukatani Purwakarta Regency: $109
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Bandung: $109
  • Private Transfer from Benda Sukamulya to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $109
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Karawang: $109
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Benda Sukamulya: $109
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Cianjur Regency: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Darjiling or Jakarta?

Prices for flights to both Jakarta and Darjiling 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
    Darjiling $14
    Jakarta $17

Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.73
  • Dinner
    $0.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fun Food Tour Jakarta: $30
  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Cikini Heritage Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Life Tour with highlight and food tour: $54
  • Jakarta Night Tour: Guided Sightseeing & Street food tour: $56
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • 10-Tasting Private Food Tour with a Local Host: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Darjiling $12
    Jakarta $13

Tours and Activities in Darjiling

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

  • 5-Day Private Tour of Gangtok and Darjeeling: $246
  • A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling: $232
  • Best of Darjeeling (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $82
  • Best of Gangtok (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $84
  • Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $31
  • Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $98
  • Darjeeling Tea Garden Tour : $31
  • Day Trip to Buddha Park (Guided Private Sightseeing Tour from Gangtok): $147
  • Day Trip to Darjeeling (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Gangtok): $148
  • Day Trip to Gangtok (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $147
  • Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $148
  • Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Gangtok): $147

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

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

  • 3 Hours Jakarta City Tour (Jakarta's Iconic Places): $45
  • 4 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Tourist Attractions): $55
  • 5 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Highlights): $65
  • 6 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Must Visit Places): $75
  • 8 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (All Tourist Attractions): $109
  • Afternoon Guided Chinatown Tour in Jakarta : $53
  • Baduy Tribal Tracker and Village in Private Tour Full Day & Lunch: $130
  • Bandung City Tour Mountain Volcano and Hotspring ( Start From Jakarta): $154
  • Bandung Private Tour Mountain Volcano and Hotspring ( Overland ): $175
  • Bandung Tour : Volcano, Coffee Fields, Hot Springs Water: $119
  • Batik Course & City Tour Jakarta: $60
  • Best Jakarta Tours, your best friend in travelling.: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Darjiling $8.77
    Jakarta $4.23


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

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


Which is Bigger, Darjiling or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Darjiling and Jakarta, 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.