Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Jakarta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jakarta or Beijing?
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 Beijing. 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.
Jakarta
Jakarta is a genuine, sprawling, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.
Beijing
Beijing is a massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Beijing travel costs.
Jakarta and Beijing: Pros and Cons
Jakarta
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Public transit not as usable
Beijing
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Home to the Forbidden City
Is there more to do in Jakarta or Beijing?
Visitors will usually find more to do in Beijing than Jakarta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beijing is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls.
How is Jakarta different from Beijing?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beijing and Jakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Beijing?
Jakarta
Beijing
Beijing is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Travelers visit Beijing from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.
Is the Food Better in Jakarta or Beijing? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Jakarta
Beijing
Beijing is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Eat your way through Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jakarta. 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 Jakarta or Beijing Better for Nightlife?
Jakarta
Beijing
Beijing is a great city for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. 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.
Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Beijing?
Jakarta
Beijing
If you're looking to go shopping, Jakarta and Beijing both offer plenty of very good spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jakarta. 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.
Beijing is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Is Jakarta or Beijing More Beautiful?
Jakarta
Beijing
Beijing is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.
Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.
Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Jakarta or Beijing Better for Families?
Jakarta
Beijing
Both Jakarta and Beijing are notable family-friendly destinations.
Jakarta offers lots of family activities. 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.
Beijing is a family-friendly place to visit. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Is Jakarta or Beijing Better for Couples?
Jakarta
Beijing
Jakarta and Beijing both notable destinations for a couple.
Jakarta is a nice destination for couples. 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.
Beijing makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Is Jakarta or Beijing Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Jakarta
Beijing
Beijing is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
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 Jakarta or Beijing Better for Students?
Jakarta
Beijing
Beijing is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Jakarta is not popular with students.
Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Jakarta is not popular with students.
Is Jakarta or Beijing Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Jakarta
Beijing
Beijing is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.
Public transit in Beijing is fairly effecient and thorough. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
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 Jakarta or Beijing a more walkable city?
Jakarta
Beijing
Jakarta and Beijing are respectable when it comes to walkability.
Jakarta is generally not a very walkable city. 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.
Beijing is generally not very walkable. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Beijing Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Beijing or Jakarta?
How long in Jakarta or Beijing?
Both Jakarta and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Jakarta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.
Families should spend more time in Beijing than Jakarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Beijing, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Beijing than Jakarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beijing that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing 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 Beijing.
-
How many days in Jakarta or Beijing? Ideal Length of StayJakarta 1-3Beijing 3-7
One day in Jakarta or Beijing?
Because Jakarta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In Beijing, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Jakarta or Beijing?
Because Jakarta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Jakarta has to offer.
In Beijing, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Five days in Jakarta or Beijing?
Jakarta 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.
Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Jakarta or Beijing?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jakarta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jakarta. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. In Beijing, you'll find museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Jakarta Prices
Indonesia PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJakarta $73Beijing $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Jakarta is $73, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $91. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJakarta $32Beijing $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJakarta $64Beijing $80
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Jakarta or Beijing? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jakarta $20Beijing $7.83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:
-
Taxi to Station$1.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta
Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Jakarta Soekarno - Hatta ( Private Transfer ): $18
- Airport Private Transfer Jakarta, Best Price: $19
- Airport Transfer: $30
- Airport Transfer Jakarta ( Private Car ): $30
- Airport Transfer Jakarta - Bogor: $27
- All-inclusive Private Jakarta Airport Transfer : $20
- BEST PRICE Private Airport Transfer per CAR with Tax & Insurance (Oneway): $30
- Departure Private Transfer: Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK: $113
- Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Bandung/Lembang Arrival Transfer: $72
- Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Cipanas - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- Jakarta Airport Transfers : Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK in Business Van: $113
- Jakarta Arrival Private Transfers from Jakarta Airport CGK to Jakarta City: $112
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.78
-
Train from Airport for Two$7.01
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.41
-
2 Metro Passes$2.24
-
Metro$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Pivate Transfer To Datong Yungang Grottoes From Beijing: $598
- Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $300
- Beijing Great Wall and Imperial Palace Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $299
- Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
- Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $290
- Beijing Golden Mask And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $288
- Private Day Tour of Beijing City Overview with Airport Transfer: $285
- Beijing Private Transfer: Mutianyu Great Wall Slow-Paced Visit: $280
- Beijing Hutong Culture Experience with Airport Transfer: $276
- Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
- Private Transfer To Guyaju Ancient Cave(With Options): $269
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
-
Food Meals for one dayJakarta $28Beijing $34
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:
-
Dinner$2.62
-
Dinner$0.72
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: $55
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.84
-
Hot Pot Dinner$7.01
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.80
-
Watermelon$1.96
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
-
Two Popsicles$0.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
- Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $72
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jakarta $12Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Jakarta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.
- Jakarta City Center: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Watercolor & Wellness : A Healing Art Therapy Experience: $29
- Jakarta Culture and History Walking Tour: $33
- Jakarta Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide : $37
- Jakarta Walking Tour with Public Transportation Visiting Sites: $45
- Jakarta Half Day Visit The Monument with Highlight City Tour: $45
- Jakarta Half Day Shared Guided Tour Visit Monument and Old Town: $49
- Pasar Baru Foodie Tour: $49
- Experience Jakarta Street Food Scene with MRT Transportation: $50
- Jakarta Half-Day Highlights Tour: $50
- Half Day Jakarta Private Tour in two highlight place: $50
- 4 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Tourist Attractions): $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.41
-
Two Opera Tickets$60
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.81
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $180
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $121
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
- China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square : $9.50
- Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights: $81
- Forbidden City Tour : $116
- Forbidden city with Tian'anmen square layover tour of Beijing : $240
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJakarta $4.06Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $158
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Jakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Jakarta Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Beijing?
Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Beijing, 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.