A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Hongcun for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surabaya or Hongcun?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Surabaya or Hongcun? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Surabaya or Hongcun?

Surabaya

Surabaya, also known as the "city of heroes," is the capital of East Java and the second largest city in Indonesia, following Jakarta. While it doesn't highlight as many typical tourist monuments as other cities, Surabaya serves as a takeoff point or a landing base for travelers visiting Mount Bromo and Bali.

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Surabaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Surabaya is $76, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $67. 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 Surabaya and Hongcun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surabaya $36
    Hongcun $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surabaya $72
    Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Surabaya and Hongcun

Looking for a hotel in Surabaya or Hongcun? 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 Surabaya


Hotels in Hongcun


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: Surabaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surabaya $2.66
    Hongcun $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surabaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Surabaya:

  • Private Transfer International Jendaral Ahmad (SRG) to City centre Seamarang: $13
  • Private Transfer International Jendaral Ahmad (SRG) to City Semarang: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer Surabaya: $21
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Bungurasih: $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Kota Surabaya: $33
  • Private Transfer from Kota Surabaya to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Pabean: $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Sedati: $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Surabaya City : $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya City to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Delta sari: $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Semampir: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Surabaya or Hongcun?

Prices for flights to both Hongcun and Surabaya 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
    Surabaya $37
    Hongcun $33

Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.91
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surabaya $4.56
    Hongcun $17

Tours and Activities in Surabaya

Here are a few actual costs in Surabaya for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Mount Bromo Sunrise Guided Group Tour: $46
  • Epic Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour from Surabaya & Malang: $52
  • From Malang: Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Private Tour: $68
  • Private Day Tour Surabaya Historiculture : $70
  • Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour from Surabaya : $71
  • Day Tour - Surabaya Heritage Colonial Tour: $73
  • Bromo Sunrise Tour: $76
  • Surabaya Private Tour: $78
  • Probolinggo City Tour For Cruise Passengers: $78
  • Bromo Tour Package: Midnight Bromo Open Trip from Batu: $79
  • Start From Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour : $79
  • Half-Day Private Majapahit Historical Tour from Surabaya: $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

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


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surabaya -
    Hongcun $14


When comparing the travel costs between Surabaya and Hongcun, 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 Surabaya Expensive? and Is Hongcun Expensive?.