Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru or Hat Yai?
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 Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai 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: Hat Yai or Johor Bahru?
Hat Yai
The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.
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 Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia.
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Hat Yai Prices
Thailand PricesJohor Bahru Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHat Yai $36Johor Bahru $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Hat Yai is $36, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru 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 Hat Yai and Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHat Yai $16Johor Bahru $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHat Yai $32Johor Bahru $80
Compare Hotels in Hat Yai and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Hat Yai 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: Hat Yai Hotel Prices and Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hat Yai $0.72Johor Bahru $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:
- Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- ~Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Van Transfer: $38
- Private Transfer from Johor Bahru City Center to Singapore Hotels: $99
- ~Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore MPV Transfer: $99
- Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $103
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $103
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $104
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Universal Studios Singapore + Roundtrip Transfers: $119
- Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $125
- Private Transfer : Johor Bharu (JB) to Kuala Lumpur (KL): $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Hat Yai or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru and Hat Yai 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 dayHat Yai $18Johor Bahru $16
Typical Food Prices in Hat Yai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:
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Roti Snack$0.63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hat Yai -Johor Bahru $7.81
Tours and Activities in Hat Yai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hat Yai are as follows:
- One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $31
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: $6.32
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
- Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $17
- Malaysia: Johor Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Entry Ticket: $18
- Singapore Sentosa: Trick Eye 3D Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $21
- Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
- Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Admission Ticket: $22
- Legoland Malaysia Ticket: $23
- Legoland Malaysia Theme Park E-Tickets: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHat Yai $2.64Johor Bahru $5.09
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:
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Beer$1.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hat Yai and Johor Bahru, we can see that Johor Bahru is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Johor Bahru would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Johor Bahru than you might in Hat Yai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hat Yai Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hat Yai or Johor Bahru?
Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Hat Yai 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.