Which place is cheaper, Kao-hsiung or Surabaya?
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 Surabaya or Kao-hsiung?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Surabaya or Kao-hsiung? 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 Kao-hsiung?
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.
Kao-hsiung
Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan.
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Surabaya Prices
Indonesia PricesKao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurabaya $76Kao-hsiung $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Surabaya is $76, while the average daily cost in Kao-hsiung is $134. 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 Kao-hsiung in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurabaya $36Kao-hsiung $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurabaya $72Kao-hsiung $120
Compare Hotels in Surabaya and Kao-hsiung
Looking for a hotel in Surabaya or Kao-hsiung? 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: Surabaya Hotel Prices and Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surabaya $2.66Kao-hsiung $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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $134
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $134
- Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
- Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer : $50
- Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $192
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $75
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
Is it cheaper to fly into Surabaya or Kao-hsiung?
Prices for flights to both Kao-hsiung 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
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Food Meals for one daySurabaya $37Kao-hsiung $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.
- Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain : $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surabaya $4.56Kao-hsiung $22
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
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung: $33
- Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
- Kenting and Pingtung One Day Tour with Departure from Kaohsiung: $52
- Classic Northern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
- Classic Southern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
- Kaohsiung City Walking Day Tour: $70
- Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
- Alishan Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $90
- Buddha Museum- Half Day Tour : $90
- Tainan Day Tour –Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower & Anping Castle: $100
- Private Tour Shore Excursion in Kaohsiung City: $199
- 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurabaya -Kao-hsiung $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surabaya and Kao-hsiung, we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. And not only is Surabaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surabaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surabaya 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 Kao-hsiung would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kao-hsiung than you might in Surabaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surabaya Expensive? and Is Kao-hsiung Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Kao-hsiung?
Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Kao-hsiung. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Kao-hsiung, 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.