A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Jakarta for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Izmir or Jakarta?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Jakarta. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Izmir

Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food. See Izmir travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a genuine, sprawling, and friendly city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.

Izmir and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Izmir or Jakarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta than Izmir, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jakarta is more touristy than Izmir and is popular for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also home to Istiqlal Mosque. Izmir is popular for

How is Izmir different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jakarta and Izmir. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Izmir or Jakarta?

Izmir
Jakarta

Jakarta is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jakarta. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

Izmir does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Izmir or Jakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Izmir
Jakarta

Foodies will find both Izmir and Jakarta both to be excellent destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Izmir makes for a great culinary experience. Located on the coast, the city is known for its fresh seafood like grilled fish, calamari, and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). Kumru, a local sandwich made with sesame-crusted bread and filled with sucuk or cheese, is a must-try street food. Also popular are meze, which are small plates of appetizers like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and zeytinyağlılar (vegetables cooked in olive oil).

Jakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Izmir or Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

Izmir
Jakarta

Jakarta is a good destination for nightlife. However, Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Jakarta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Izmir or Jakarta?

Izmir
Jakarta

Jakarta is a great destination for shopping. However, Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Jakarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Izmir is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Izmir or Jakarta Better for Families?

Izmir
Jakarta

Izmir is a great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Izmir is a very family-friendly destination. A visit to Kültürpark, a large park in the city center, is perfect for children to enjoy playgrounds, open spaces, and even a small amusement park. The Izmir Wildlife Park, located just outside the city, is another great spot, where kids can explore and interact with a variety of animals in a natural setting. For an educational experience, the Izmir Natural History Museum provides fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and natural science. Families will also enjoy taking a boat ride on the Izmir Bay or visiting the Aqua City Water Park.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Izmir or Jakarta Better for Couples?

Izmir
Jakarta

Izmir and Jakarta both good destinations for a couple.

Izmir is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the scenic Kordon promenade at sunset or having a drink at a local cafe. You can also explore the Kadifekale Castle, which offers panoramic views of Izmir and is another great spot for watching the sunset together. Also popular is taking a boat tour around Izmir Bay, which lets you see the city from a different perspective.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Izmir or Jakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Izmir
Jakarta

Izmir is a great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Izmir is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular stop off for backpackers who enjoy the cultural scene around town. There are many hostels to choose from, particularly in areas like Konak and Alsancak.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.


Is Izmir or Jakarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Izmir
Jakarta

Izmir is a great for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Izmir is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is diverse and includes a metro with two lines, buses, ferries, and dolmuses (shared minibuses). In general, the system is reliable and affordable.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Izmir or Jakarta a more walkable city?

Izmir
Jakarta

Izmir is a good destination for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Izmir is somewhat walkable. Some of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods include Konak, Alsancak, and Kordon where you can easily walk between attractions, cafés, shops, and parks. The Kordon waterfront promenade is a popular place for strolling, jogging, or simply relaxing.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Izmir?

How long in Izmir or Jakarta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Izmir and Jakarta. In our opinion, Izmir has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Izmir than Jakarta. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Izmir, and 1-3 days is enough time in Jakarta.

Families should spend more time in Izmir than Jakarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Izmir, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Jakarta than Izmir. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Jakarta that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Izmir than Jakarta if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Izmir.


  • How many days in Izmir or Jakarta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Izmir 2-3 
    Jakarta 1-3

One day in Izmir or Jakarta?


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In Izmir, you'll find food. This offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Jakarta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Izmir or Jakarta?


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In Izmir, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Izmir has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jakarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Izmir or Jakarta?


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Izmir is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Jakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Jakarta. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Izmir or Jakarta?


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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Izmir. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Izmir. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Jakarta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Jakarta or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $83, while the average daily cost in Jakarta 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 Izmir and Jakarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $41
    Jakarta $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $82
    Jakarta $60
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Jakarta

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Jakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $20
    Jakarta $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $282
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $247
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $247
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $240
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $212
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $205
  • Izmir Airport to Didim Hotels – Private Airport Transfer: $188
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $170
  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Kusadasi: $158
  • Movebox Private Transfer İzmir Airport ADB Cesme Bodrum Alacati: $145
  • Izmir Airport to Cesme/Alacati, Kusadasi, and Foca Transfers: $141

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

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


  • Taxi to Station
    $0.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

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

  • Airport Jakarta, Private Transfer: $26
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta ( Private Car ): $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta - Bogor: $27
  • All-inclusive Private Jakarta Airport Transfer: $15
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK: $111
  • Dunia Fantasi and Ancol Dreamland Tour with Transfer: $114
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Bandung/Lembang Arrival Transfer: $71
  • Jakarta Airport CGK to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $141
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer Service: $20
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer for Small/Big Group: $28
  • Jakarta Airport Transfers : Jakarta Airport CGK to Jakarta City in Business Van: $110
  • Jakarta Airport Transfers : Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK in Business Van: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Jakarta?

Prices for flights to both Jakarta and Izmir 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
    Izmir $29
    Jakarta $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $294

Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

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


  • Dinner
    $2.45
  • Dinner
    $0.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

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

  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Tour with Dinner at Café or Food street: $50
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • Halfday Batavia by Night with dinner at Cafe Batavia & souvenir: $120
  • Jakarta Private Cooking Class and Experience Tour: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $14
    Jakarta $11

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • "Izmir to Ephesus: Private Highlights Tour with Fast-Track Entry": $182
  • 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $293
  • Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
  • Alacati and Cesme Private Tour from Izmir: $159
  • BEST SELLER Small Group Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $116
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $294
  • Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $170
  • Customized Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $147
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $159
  • EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR From Izmir Port: $116

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

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

  • Ancol Entrance Gate Entry Ticket: $3.99
  • Gondola Ancol Entry Ticket: $4.78
  • Jakarta City Center: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Atlantis Water Adventures at Ancol Entry Ticket: $9.56
  • Jakarta Aquarium Safari Admission Ticket: $11
  • Dunia Fantasi at Ancol Entry Ticket: $20
  • Jakarta Tour Guide: $25
  • Watercolor & Wellness : A Healing Art Therapy Experience: $27
  • Jakarta Culture and History Walking Tour: $33
  • Jakarta Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $36
  • Jakarta Fun Walkingtour ~ Using Public Transportations: $37
  • Experience Jakarta Street Food Scene with MRT Transportation: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.04
    Jakarta $3.80

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $123
  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $277


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

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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.