A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Johor Bahru for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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: Hanoi or Johor Bahru?

Hanoi

Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.

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 Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru or Hanoi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $57. 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 Hanoi and Johor Bahru in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hanoi $25
    Johor Bahru $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hanoi $50
    Johor Bahru $80
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Johor Bahru

Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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.

Hotels in Hanoi


Hotels in Johor Bahru


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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hanoi $7.01
    Johor Bahru $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.22
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.25
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.41
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.38
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • Hanoi Private Departure Transfer: City Center Hotel to Airport: $8.00
  • Noi Bai Airport transfer to Hanoi Center and more: $8.00
  • Private transfer between Hanoi Airport and Hanoi Old Quarter: $8.30
  • Hanoi City Center to Noi Bai Airport - Private Transfer: $8.43
  • Noi Bai International Airport Private Transfer: $8.46
  • Noi Bai Airport Transfer Service: $8.54
  • Bus Transfer Hanoi to Halong Bay and Vice Versa : $11
  • Private Noi Bai International Airport Transfer: $11
  • Private Car Ha Noi Airport Transfer : $12
  • Ha Noi airport Arrival or Departure By Private car transfers: $12
  • Hanoi Airport Transfer: $13
  • Noi Bai airport to Ha Noi city transfer by private car: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:

  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Car]: $248
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Ipoh Transfer [Van]: $121
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Transfer [Car]: $211
  • 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 City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
  • Johor Bahru City to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 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 Bahru to Mersing jetty Private Transfer: $80
  • Johor Hotels to Malacca Hotels (Door to Door) Transfer: $140
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $177

Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Johor Bahru?

Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru and Hanoi 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
    Hanoi $13
    Johor Bahru $9.24
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:


  • High End Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.47
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.81
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $6.30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.

  • Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
  • (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
  • Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.29
  • Street Food Tour with Train Street and Old Quarter: $14
  • Best Hanoi Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $18
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Train Street Experience: $19
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit Experience: $19
  • Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
  • Hanoi local street food tour: $20
  • Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $20
  • Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $21
  • Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22

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 (Saturday) with 5 Course Seated Dinner: $202
  • City Lights Cruise with Buffet Dinner + Free flow Wine & Beer: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hanoi $8.65
    Johor Bahru $7.59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi

Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Puppet Theater
    $1.63
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.63
  • National History Museum
    $1.63
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.84

Tours and Activities in Hanoi

Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bus Ticket Cat Ba - Hanoi ( Bus+ Ferry ) - Best Selling: $0.02
  • Hanoi Vegan Street Food & Train Street Tour: $0.03
  • Hanoi Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.21
  • Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $4.90
  • Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
  • Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
  • Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Half-day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
  • (Evening) HANOI CUSTOMIZED Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
  • Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
  • Skip the line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $5.00

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: $4.77
  • Laser Battle Experience in Johor Bahru: $7.06
  • Singapore: Wings of Time Entry Ticket: $14
  • Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $14
  • Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $20
  • Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
  • Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
  • Singapore Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Entry E-Ticket: $21
  • Legoland Malaysia Theme Park E-Tickets: $22
  • Sailing along Straits of Johor: Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
  • Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
  • 1 Day Legoland Malaysia Ticket: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hanoi $7.83
    Johor Bahru $4.95

Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi

Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks and Nightclub Entry: $63
  • Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $109


When comparing the travel costs between Hanoi and Johor Bahru, we can see that Johor Bahru 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 Hanoi Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Johor Bahru?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Johor Bahru. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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.