Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kolkata (Calcutta) or Johor Bahru?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kolkata (Calcutta) or Johor Bahru, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kolkata (Calcutta) or Johor Bahru?
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKolkata (Calcutta) $37Johor Bahru $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $37, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $52. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) and Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKolkata (Calcutta) $17Johor Bahru $36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKolkata (Calcutta) $34Johor Bahru $72
Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices and Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11Johor Bahru $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $32
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
- Kolkata 8 Hour Private City Tour Including Hotel Transfers by Car: $86
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $165
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 Sentosa Island to Seletar Airport (XSP): $40
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $89
- *Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Car Transfer: $94
- Legoland Theme Park Ticket and Transfer (SIC-Shared transfer): $97
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $99
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $103
- Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $103
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru and Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 dayKolkata (Calcutta) $14Johor Bahru $8.39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
- Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner: $41
- Alleyway Food Tour: $42
- Traditional Bengali Cooking Class in Kolkata in a Local Home: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johor Bahru
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Johor Bahru.
- City Lights Cruise with Buffet Dinner + Free flow Wine & Beer: $192
- Dog Cruise with 5-Course Seated Dinner: $222
- Sunset Sail Cruise with 5 Course Seated Dinner: $222
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $15Johor Bahru $6.89
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Kolkata (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Kolkata Colonial Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Kolkata Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Tour): $20
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $25
- Kolkata Half Day Guided City Tour: $27
- The Taste of Kolkata - Evening Food Walk Tour: $30
- Magic Hour Tour: $37
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
- Kolkata's Flower Market - Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour: $37
- Kolkata Slum Walking Tour: $41
- Indian Museum Guided Tour (Including surrounding area): $43
- Mesmerising Kolkata Private Customised Day Tour: $53
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: $4.30
- Laser Battle Experience in Johor Bahru: $7.06
- HeadRock VR Admission Ticket: $11
- Singapore: Wings of Time Entry Ticket: $13
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $18
- Sentosa: HydroDash Singapore Entry Ticket: $20
- Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
- Sailing along Straits of Johor: Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Malaysia: Legoland Entry Ticket: $22
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Singapore: $22
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Ticket: $23
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $8.27Johor Bahru $4.49
Sample the Local Flavors in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also in Kolkata (Calcutta), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Kolkata: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Johor Bahru, we can see that Johor Bahru is more expensive. And not only is Kolkata (Calcutta) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kolkata (Calcutta) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Johor Bahru?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Johor Bahru. When comparing the sizes of Kolkata (Calcutta) 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.