A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Lombok vs. Bali for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lombok or Bali?

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 Lombok and Bali. 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: Lombok or Bali?

Lombok

Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Bali or Lombok?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $53, while the average daily cost in Bali is $74. 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 Lombok and Bali in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lombok $29
    Bali $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lombok $58
    Bali $84
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Bali

Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Bali? 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 Lombok


Hotels in Bali


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: Lombok Hotel Prices and Bali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lombok $11
    Bali $9.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok

Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Service to Lombok Airport : $22
  • Airport transfer from lombok Airport to Praya: $22
  • Airport transfer from Lombok Airport to Kuta Mandalika : $23
  • Gili Trawangan, Air, or 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali: $26
  • Lombok Airport Transfer : $27
  • Airport Transfer: Airport To Kuta/kuta To Airport: $27
  • Lombok Int. Airport LOP to Lombok - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Mataram: $32
  • Private Transfer from Mangsit to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Senggigi: $32
  • Private Transfer from Senggigi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
  • Private Transfer from Batu Payung to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

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


  • Motorbike Rental
    $3.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • The Best Paragliding In Bali With Private Hotel Transfer: $140
  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $109
  • BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $103
  • West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
  • Unforgettable Batur Volcano Hiking With Private Transfer: $85
  • Batur Volcano Jeep Tour Include Private Transfer: $80
  • Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $67
  • Ubud: Sky Bike and Jungle Swing Experience with Transfer: $65
  • BEST ATV RIDE with LUNCH and PRIVATE HOTEL TRANSFER. : $65
  • Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $64
  • Bali to/from Gili Gede: Fast Boat (Optional Bali Transfer): $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Bali?

Prices for flights to both Bali and Lombok 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
    Lombok $12
    Bali $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok

For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
  • Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
  • Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
  • Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
  • Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
  • Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $117

Typical Food Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.26
  • Lunch for Two
    $14
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $27
  • Lunch for Two
    $8.22
  • Lunch for 2
    $9.11
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

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

  • Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
  • From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $30
  • Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $31
  • From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
  • Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
  • Padang-Padang Beach+ Uluwatu Sunset and Kecak Dance + Dinner: $45
  • Bali Street Food Tour: $45
  • Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village, english: $50
  • Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
  • Private Full or Half-Day Authentic Food Tour: $52
  • Ubud: Romantic Barbecue Dinner by the Pool: $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lombok $11
    Bali $11

Tours and Activities in Lombok

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.

  • Gili T Island: The Thrilling Sunset Snorkeling Adventure: $18
  • Lombok Private Custom Tour - Lombok Car Hire with Driver : $31
  • Lombok City Tour combination With Temple Tour : $49
  • Mataram Lombok Historical City tour: $49
  • Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
  • Private Lombok Hidden Beach Tour: Elak Elak, Sekotong, and Mekaki Beach: $50
  • Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
  • Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfall Trekking Tour: $55
  • One Day Tour Pink Beach East Lombok Excursion: $55
  • Snorkeling Tour to Amazing Coral Garden in South Gilies: $57
  • Daily Sasak Tour Lombok: $57
  • Private Lombok Cycling Tour : Lingsar Temple, Rice Field, Village & Market Tour: $59

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $55
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $13
  • Cooking School
    $28

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Lembongan Snorkeling and Island Tour: $80
  • Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive): $129
  • Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
  • (BCR Rafting) Rafting Adventure in Telaga Waja River 18km: $55
  • 1 Days Tour Batur Volcano Various Very Beautiful Tourist Objects: $97
  • 2 Days Private Tours : Watersport And Uluwatu Temple: $135
  • 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
  • 30 minutes tandem Paragliding tours in Bali with free photo/video: $185
  • 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
  • 6-Hour White Water Rafting and Kanto Lampo Waterfall Private Tour: $79
  • Adventure Canyoning in Tamata: $247
  • Adventure Rafting Journey With Us! And Ubud Tours : $123

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lombok $8.31
    Bali $3.26


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

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



When is the best time to visit Lombok or Bali?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Lombok or Bali in the Summer?

Both Bali and Lombok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.

April to September is the dry season in Bali. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Bali. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Bali in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lombok 26°C (79°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Bali in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Bali. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Lombok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lombok usually receives more rain than Bali. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Lombok is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Bali in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Bali. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.

October to March in Bali is the rainy season. Lombok usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bali. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Lombok often gets more sunshine than Bali. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

In January, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Bali 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Bali in the Spring?

Both Bali and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Bali is April to September. In April, Lombok usually receives more rain than Bali. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Bali in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Bali and Lombok

Lombok Bali
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)