Which place is cheaper, Surabaya or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Krabi or Surabaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Surabaya can help you decide which place is right for you.
Krabi
Krabi is a colorful, stunning, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Krabi travel costs.
Surabaya
Surabaya is a authentic, local, and undiscovered city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.
Krabi and Surabaya: Pros and Cons
Krabi
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less attractive beach
Surabaya
Pros- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Krabi or Surabaya?
Visitors will usually find more to do in Surabaya than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surabaya is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Krabi is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and small town charm. Krabi is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Surabaya is well known for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. Also, Surabaya is famous for the Submarine Monument.
How is Krabi different from Surabaya?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surabaya and Krabi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Surabaya?
Krabi
Surabaya
Krabi is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.
Krabi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.
While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.
Is the Food Better in Krabi or Surabaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Krabi
Surabaya
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Surabaya can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.
There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Krabi. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.
Is Krabi or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?
Krabi
Surabaya
The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Surabaya.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Krabi. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.
Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.
Is Krabi or Surabaya Better for Resorts?
Krabi
Surabaya
Krabi is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Surabaya is not a resort destination.
You might not think of Krabi as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.
Surabaya is not a resort destination.
Is Krabi or Surabaya Better for Beaches?
Krabi
Surabaya
Surabaya is very good for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beach.
Many people head to Surabaya to enjoy the beach. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.
You can check out the beach in Krabi. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.
Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Surabaya?
Krabi
Surabaya
Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Krabi and Surabaya.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Krabi. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.
Surabaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.
Is Krabi or Surabaya Better for Families?
Krabi
Surabaya
Krabi is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.
Krabi is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.
For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.
Is Krabi or Surabaya Better for Couples?
Krabi
Surabaya
Krabi is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.
Couples visit Krabi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.
Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.
Is Krabi or Surabaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Krabi
Surabaya
Krabi is a popular place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Krabi. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.
Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.
Is Krabi or Surabaya Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Krabi
Surabaya
Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Krabi and Surabaya.
Public transit is mostly limited in Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).
Public transit is generally limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.
Is Krabi or Surabaya a more walkable city?
Krabi
Surabaya
Surabaya is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.
Surabaya is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.
Krabi is a somewhat walkable place. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Surabaya Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Krabi?
How long in Krabi or Surabaya?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Krabi or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Krabi than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Surabaya.
Families should spend more time in Krabi than Surabaya. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Krabi, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Krabi than Surabaya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Krabi that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Krabi than Surabaya 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 Krabi.
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How many days in Krabi or Surabaya? Ideal Length of StayKrabi 2-3Surabaya 1-2
One day in Krabi or Surabaya?
The town of Krabi offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Each neighborhood in Surabaya 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 Krabi or Surabaya?
Krabi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Krabi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. 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 Krabi or Surabaya?
Krabi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Surabaya is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Surabaya. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Krabi or Surabaya?
Krabi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.
You'll find nightlife and food around the local big city of Surabaya. 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 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.
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Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesSurabaya Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $74Surabaya $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Surabaya is $76. 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 Krabi and Surabaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $42Surabaya $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $84Surabaya $72
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Surabaya
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Surabaya? 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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Surabaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $4.37Surabaya $2.66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.42
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.14
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.51
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Longboat Taxi from Town$6.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV Jungle Adventure in Krabi with Roundtrip Transfer: $38
- Ao Nang Kayaking at Klong Rud with Hotel Transfer: $26
- Ao Nang to Krabi Private Transfer: $30
- Aonang any hotel to Donsak Pier Private transfer: $135
- Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $101
- From Khaolak : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Krabi and More: $87
- Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers: $83
- Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $60
- KRABI:Private Car Round Trip Transfer Krabi Airport-Ao-nang Beach-Krabi Airport: $60
- Krabi ATV Extreme Experience with Transfer and Adventure: $33
- Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
- Krabi Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surabaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Surabaya:
- Private Transfer from Yogyakarta to Bromo: $234
- Private Transfer from Waru to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $33
- Private Transfer from Tanggulangin to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $52
- Private Transfer from Taman to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $49
- Private Transfer from Surabaya City to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $33
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Tanggulangin: $52
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Tambak Sawah: $35
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Taman: $42
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Surabaya City : $33
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Sidoarjo: $52
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Semampir: $33
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Segoro Tambak: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Surabaya?
Prices for flights to both Surabaya and Krabi 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 dayKrabi $25Surabaya $37
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$7.85
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Drinks on the Beach$7.54
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$35
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Mango Shake$1.57
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Pad Thai$3.14
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Fruit from the Market$1.88
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Pancakes$3.14
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Coffee & Cake$2.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $37
- Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $39
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $39
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $40
- Penny Thai Cooking Class Krabi: $45
- Krabi Kitchens Food Tour with 15 Plus Tastings: $45
- Krabi Bites Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $45
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $46
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
- Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $12Surabaya $4.56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Thai-English Book$10
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Thai Massages (for Two)$25
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Bikini & Sarong$19
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$14
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.85
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$60
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.17
- Railay Phra Nang and Diamond Cave Sunset tour: $21
- Krabi 4 Islands Snorkeling and Thale Waek Full Day Tour : $21
- ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $22
- Krabi ATV adventure tour 1 Hour : $23
- Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $24
- Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi : $24
- Ao Thalane Kayaking Mangrove Forests Adventure from Krabi : $24
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $25
- Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25
- ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
- Railay Beach and Caves Tour from Ao Nang - Half Day: $28
Tours and Activities in Surabaya
Here are a few actual costs in Surabaya for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Bromo Private Day Tour with Madakaripura Waterfall: $131
- 1 Day Tour, Wonderful Mount Bromo Sunrise From Surabaya or Malang: $136
- 1 days Majapahit temple history tour: $100
- 1Day - Bromo Madakaripura Day Tour: $128
- 2Days - Bromo Family Tour via Surabaya: $163
- 2Days - Bromo Madakaripura Adventure via Surabaya or Malang: $155
- 2Days - Bromo Sunrise Ijen Tour via Surabaya: $199
- 2Days/1Night Bromo Private Tour with Hotel: $189
- 3-Day Tour: Mount Bromo & Ijen Crater from Surabaya or Malang: $264
- 3D2N Mount Bromo & Ijen Crater Tour from Surabaya: $289
- 3Days - Adventure Bromo Ijen via Surabaya: $245
- 3Days - Adventure Bromo Ijen via Surabaya or Malang: $275
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $5.00Surabaya -
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
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Beer$2.83
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Cocktails (for Two)$9.42
When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Surabaya, we can see that Surabaya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Surabaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Surabaya?
Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Surabaya, 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.