Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Melaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Melaka or Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Melaka or Tokyo, 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: Melaka or Tokyo?
Melaka
Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
-
Melaka Prices
Malaysia PricesTokyo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMelaka $33Tokyo $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Melaka is $33, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Melaka and Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMelaka $9.51Tokyo $79
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMelaka $19Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Melaka and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Melaka or Tokyo? 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: Melaka Hotel Prices and Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Melaka $2.09Tokyo $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:
-
Taxi$4.75
-
Bus Ride$0.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka
Also for Melaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $281
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Johor Bahru city: $251
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Shah Alam City: $239
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Mersing Transfer [Car]: $212
- Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $165
- Private Transfer : National Park Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $165
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Kuala Lumpur city : $120
- Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $99
- ~Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $81
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $80
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $80
- Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Malacca Port: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $804
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Hakone: $426
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $351
- Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $309
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $296
- Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND by Sedan Car: $291
- Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $289
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $286
- Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan Car: $274
- Private Departure Transfer : Tokyo Disney Resort to Narita International Airport: $272
- Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $271
- Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $269
Is it cheaper to fly into Melaka or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo and Melaka 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 dayMelaka $20Tokyo $67
Typical Food Prices in Melaka
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:
-
Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$7.13
-
Dinner at the Market (for Two)$3.09
-
Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)$1.43
-
Taiwanese Noodle Soup$1.19
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$7.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Peranakan and Malay Cooking Class in Malacca: $90
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.41
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
-
Meal at Airport$7.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tsukiji Food Tour Explore Markets and Temples in Tokyo: $18
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
- Tokyo Ramen Dojo: Authentic Ramen Cooking Class & Tasting: $34
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $34
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $34
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $34
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $44
- Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $51
- Tokyo private hidden food tour: $55
- Mastering the Grill A Ninja Yakiniku A5 Wagyu Dinner in Nippori : $56
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Melaka $4.03Tokyo $71
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Maritime Museum Entrance$0.71
-
Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance$4.75
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$11
-
Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance$2.38
-
Melaka Zoo Entrance$1.66
-
Low Cost Kite$0.71
-
Malacca Duck Tour$9.51
-
Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)$2.38
Tours and Activities in Melaka
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.
- *13 Hrs Best of Melaka Full Day Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $84
- A'Famosa Safari and Water Park in Melaka Ticket (Only Malaysian): $28
- Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
- From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
- Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $48
- Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur City Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Top Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $328
- Malacca Shore Excursion with Professional Tour Guide & Lunch: $228
- Malacca Shore Excursion with Tour Guide & Baba Nyonya Lunch: $228
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- 4 Hours Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $102
- Knife Sharpening Experience in Tokyo : $23
- Kyu-Yasuda, Kiyosumi and Hama-Rikyu Tokyo Garden Tour: $159
- Manga Artist Experience with Professional Guidance in Tokyo: $114
- Mount Fuji and Iconic Scenic Spots Day Tour : $99
- Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
- Pick the Hours That Suit You In A Flexible Tokyo Guided Tour: $70
- Private Walking Tour Tokyo's Fukagawa Edo Museum: $102
- Shibuya Tokyo Private Photo Tour Activity: $277
- Shinjuku Mini Ramen Tour: Shoyu, Tonkotsu & Miso: $98
- Tokyo Skytree Private Walking Tour Experience With cafe inside: $184
- Akihabara Otaku Tour - 1.5h Guided Shopping: $94
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMelaka $8.25Tokyo $34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$4.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $38
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $114
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $116
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $132
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $142
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
- From Tokyo：Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $201
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melaka and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Melaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melaka Expensive? and Is Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Melaka or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Melaka. When comparing the sizes of Melaka and Tokyo, 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.