Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru or Doha?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Doha 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 Doha 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: Doha or Johor Bahru?
Doha
Doha is the capital city of Qatar, modern and rapidly developing with much construction underway. It is home to Doha International Airport, the main point of entry for Qatar, as well as many of the country's best museums and examples of cultural heritage.
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 Malaysia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDoha $200Johor Bahru $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Doha is $200, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $52. 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 Doha and Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDoha $119Johor Bahru $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDoha $238Johor Bahru $72
Compare Hotels in Doha and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Doha 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: Doha Hotel Prices and Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Doha $23Johor Bahru $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Doha
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Doha:
- Sharing Arrival Transfer - Doha city: $14
- Shared Arrival Transfer - Doha City: $14
- Shared Departure Transfer from Doha: $14
- Shared Departure Transfer in West Bay : $20
- Sharing Arrival Transfer - West bay: $20
- Shared Departure Transfer in West Bay: $20
- Shared Departure Transfer - Pearl Qatar: $27
- Sharing Arrival Transfer - Pearl Qatar: $27
- Easy Airport Transfers (Airport to Hotel): $30
- Airport Transfer-Hamad International Airport, Doha-Qatar: $34
- Airport Transfer (To and From Doha City): $35
- Private Arrival Transfer - Doha: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- *Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Car Transfer: $94
- *Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Van Transfer: $38
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $99
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Ipoh Transfer [Van]: $115
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Car]: $266
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $89
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Malacca Transfer [Car]: $150
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $103
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $125
- Johor Bharu to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
Is it cheaper to fly into Doha or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru and Doha 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 dayDoha $61Johor Bahru $8.39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Doha
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Doha.
- Private Dinner on Al Safliya Island: $76
- Half Day Doha City Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $143
- BBQ Dinner in the desert resort; Dune bashing & camel ride: $165
- Doha Private Full Day Desert Safari Lunch | Dinner Included: $190
- Full Day Desert Safari with Camp Access, Buffet Dinner,Camel Ride: $195
- Doha : Full Day Desert Safari | BBQ Dinner | Inland sea: $197
- Private Desert Safari with BBQ Lunch/Dinner at Souk Al Wakra: $202
- Private Overnight Desert Safari, Dune bashing, dinner & Breakfast: $220
- Full Day Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner: $234
- From Overnight Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner: $240
- Overnight Private Desert Safari with Buffet Dinner and Camel Ride: $299
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johor Bahru
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Johor Bahru.
- City Lights Cruise with Buffet Dinner + Free flow Wine & Beer: $192
- Dog Cruise with 5-Course Seated Dinner: $222
- Sunset Sail Cruise with 5 Course Seated Dinner: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Doha $18Johor Bahru $6.89
Tours and Activities in Doha
Here are a few actual costs in Doha for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qatar eSIM Data Plan for Tourists: $8.02
- Doha International Airpor: Qatar eSIM Data Plan for Tourists: $8.02
- Doha Tour App Hidden Gems Game and Big Qatar Quiz: $19
- Al Safliya Island Photo Tour: $25
- Al Safliya Island Boat Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of Souq Waqif: $30
- City Highlights Layover Tour: $32
- From Doha Cruise Terminal: Doha City Tour (Private Tour): $35
- Doha Geocaching & City Tour Combo: $35
- Sharing City Tour From MSC Virtuosa/Mein Schiff2: $35
- From Doha Cruise Terminal: Doha Private or Group City Tour: $35
- 4-hour Downtown City Tour: $40
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: $4.30
- Laser Battle Experience in Johor Bahru: $7.06
- HeadRock VR Admission Ticket: $11
- Singapore: Wings of Time Entry Ticket: $13
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $18
- Sentosa: HydroDash Singapore Entry Ticket: $20
- Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
- Sailing along Straits of Johor: Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Malaysia: Legoland Entry Ticket: $22
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Singapore: $22
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Ticket: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDoha $15Johor Bahru $4.49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Doha and Johor Bahru, we can see that Doha is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Doha is in Middle East and Johor Bahru is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Doha would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Doha 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 Doha Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Doha or Johor Bahru?
Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Doha. When comparing the sizes of Doha 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.