A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Kobe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lombok or Kobe?

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 Kobe. 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 Kobe?

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.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Lombok?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. 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 Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lombok $29
    Kobe $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lombok $58
    Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Lombok or Kobe? 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 Kobe


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 Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lombok $11
    Kobe $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok

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

  • Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $210
  • Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $152
  • Private Transfer from Dusun Setangi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $93
  • Airport transfer from lombok airport to Senaru rinjiani area: $76
  • Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
  • Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
  • Lombok Int Airport (LOP) to Lombok - Round Trip Private Transfer: $59
  • Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $58
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Bolong: $50
  • Private Transfer from Bangsal to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sigar Penjalin: $50
  • Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $240
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
  • Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
  • Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
  • Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe 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
    Kobe $30

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
  • Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
  • Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

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

  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lombok $10
    Kobe $23

Tours and Activities in Lombok

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

  • 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $169
  • 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
  • 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $221
  • 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $269
  • 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
  • Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
  • Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
  • Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
  • Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $89
  • Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
  • Cultural Tour of Lombok with English Speaking Guide: $63
  • Daily Tour: $70

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $168
  • 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $134
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $167
  • A Tour to Learn all about the international port city, Kobe!: $153
  • Cruise Stop-Over: Explore The City From Kobe Port: $238
  • Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
  • Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $149
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
  • Himeji and Private Guided 1 Day Tour: $228
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
  • KOBE Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]: $282
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lombok $8.15
    Kobe $8.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
  • Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Lombok or Kobe?

Kobe has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lombok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the summer, Lombok is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Kobe. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lombok 26°C (79°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Lombok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lombok is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. Lombok usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kobe. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lombok is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Lombok usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Kobe. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Kobe. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Lombok is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Lombok

Lombok Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)


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