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

Should you visit Johor Bahru or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Johor Bahru or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Johor Bahru or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Johor Bahru?

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 Johor Bahru is $64, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $248. 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 Johor Bahru and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Johor Bahru $40
    Amsterdam $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Johor Bahru $80
    Amsterdam $240
Compare Hotels in Johor Bahru and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Johor Bahru or Amsterdam? 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 Johor Bahru


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Johor Bahru Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Johor Bahru $13
    Amsterdam $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:

  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $104
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Car]: $249
  • Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
  • Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Hotels (Door to Door) Private Transfer: $180
  • Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $103
  • Johor Bharu to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $182
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
  • Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $103
  • Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $125
  • Private Transfer : Johor Bharu (JB) to Kuala Lumpur (KL): $131

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.75
  • Renting a Bike
    $18
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.05
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $15
  • Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transfer Service: $40
  • Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $41
  • From Keukenhof Gardens Ticket and Transfer: $41
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $42
  • Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $49
  • Amsterdam Airport & Non-Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $58
  • Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise & Transfer from Amsterdam: $66
  • Amsterdam City to Schiphol Airport Transfer: $73
  • Amsterdam Private Local Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port : $77
  • Amsterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $77

Is it cheaper to fly into Johor Bahru or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Johor Bahru 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
    Johor Bahru $16
    Amsterdam $94

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Afternoon Tea
    $7.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Bike Rental and Dinner or Lunch: $52
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $63
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Bens Local Food Tour - 8 Tastings: $78
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $94
  • Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $94
  • Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide: $102
  • Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Johor Bahru $7.81
    Amsterdam $44

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $7.04
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.59
  • The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.59
  • Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $6.01
  • Amsterdam Center Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.40
  • Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.42
  • WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Volendam Marken Express Boat Cruise: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Johor Bahru $5.09
    Amsterdam $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • City Centre Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $30
  • Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings : $78
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl With Optional Club Entrance: $84
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


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

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


Which is Bigger, Johor Bahru or Amsterdam?

Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Johor Bahru and Amsterdam, 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.