Which place is cheaper, Bandung or Jakarta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jakarta or Bandung?
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 Jakarta and Bandung. 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.
Where Should I go: Jakarta or Bandung?
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.
Bandung
Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJakarta $64Bandung $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Jakarta is $64, while the average daily cost in Bandung is $40. 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 Jakarta and Bandung in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJakarta $33Bandung $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJakarta $66Bandung $42
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Bandung
Looking for a hotel in Jakarta or Bandung? 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: Jakarta Hotel Prices and Bandung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jakarta $20Bandung $5.76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:
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Taxi to Station$1.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta
Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport: Transfer to Jakarta: $29
- Private Transfer from West Jakarta to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $32
- Private Transfer from West Jakarta to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $32
- Private Transfer from Tanah Abang to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $32
- Private Transfer from Tanah Abang to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $32
- Private Transfer from Taman Sari to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $32
- Private Transfer from Sumur Batu to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $32
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $167
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $167
- Private Transfer from Sukarasa Tangerang to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $32
- Private Transfer from South Jakarta to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $32
- Private Transfer from Soekarno Hatta Airport to Jakarta Hotels: $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Bandung City to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $167
- Private Transfer from Larangan to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $167
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Garut Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $167
- Private Transfer from Sukarasa Kuningan Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $167
- Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Pejambon: $167
- Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Sunyaragi: $167
- Private Transfer from Sunyaragi to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $167
- Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Pekalangan: $167
- Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Pulasaren: $167
- Private Transfer from Pulasaren to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $167
- Private Transfer from Kertajati Airport (KJT) to Jagasatru: $167
- Private Transfer from Jagasatru to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Bandung?
Prices for flights to both Bandung and Jakarta 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 dayJakarta $17Bandung $14
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:
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Dinner$2.73
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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
- Jakarta Night Life Tour with highlight and food tour: $55
- Jakarta Night Tour: Guided Sightseeing & Street food tour: $56
- Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
- Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
- 10-Tasting Private Food Tour with a Local Host: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jakarta $13Bandung $5.67
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
- 7 Hours Indonesia Cultural & Heritage Park Tour: $110
- 8 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (All Tourist Attractions): $109
- Afternoon Guided Chinatown Tour in Jakarta : $53
- Afternoon city tour Jakarta: $82
- 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
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3D 2N GOLDEN ROUTE TOUR PACKAGE [ Bandung - Garut - Pangandaran ] All include: $277
- Backpacker Style of the Java-Madura-Bali Island Tour 12 Days: $1,546
- Bandung , West Java Tour: $120
- Bandung One Day Tour Package: $160
- Kawah Putih Private Tour and Angklung Performance: $46
- Volcano Tour with Hot Springs Swim: $135
- Volcano, Hot Spring, Mud Bathing, & Lake Tour: $64
- Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $50
- Day Trip White Crater Ciwidey Bandung All In - Tour Guide: $71
- Java Bali Private Tour Package with Driver as Guide: $469
- Java Classic Overland Tour: $1,334
- Java's Highlight Guided Tour From Jakarta or Bali: $1,315
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJakarta $4.23Bandung $3.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Bandung, we can see that Jakarta is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Bandung.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jakarta Expensive? and Is Bandung Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Bandung?
Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Bandung, 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.