A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Jakarta for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Jakarta?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Jakarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Jakarta?

Surat Thani

The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."

Jakarta

As Indonesia's capital and largest city, Jakarta rests on the northwest coast of the island of Java. It is the country's economic, cultural, and political center with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Jakarta or Surat Thani?

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 Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Jakarta is $68. 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 Surat Thani and Jakarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $26
    Jakarta $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $52
    Jakarta $60
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Jakarta

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Jakarta? 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 Surat Thani


Hotels in Jakarta


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: Jakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $26
    Jakarta $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

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

  • Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $122
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $86
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
  • Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $38
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
  • Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $0.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

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

  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $238
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc: $190
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $190
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $190
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $179
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $179
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Bandung: $124
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukatani Purwakarta Regency: $124
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Pasteur Bandung: $116
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Karawang: $116
  • Private Transfer from Benda Sukamulya to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $116
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta to Bandung Airport (BDO): $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Jakarta?

Prices for flights to both Jakarta and Surat Thani 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
    Surat Thani $27
    Jakarta $26
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • Dinner
    $4.51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani

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

  • Koh Samui: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
  • Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $49
  • Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $51
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
  • Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
  • Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
  • Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
  • Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
  • Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796

Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.45
  • Dinner
    $0.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

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

  • Fun Food Tour Jakarta: $30
  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Tour with Dinner at Café or Food street: $50
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • Jakarta Private Cooking Class and Experience Tour: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.47
    Jakarta $11

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

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

  • Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $31
  • Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan: $68
  • Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $76
  • Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Adventure from Khao Sok: $94
  • Cheow Lan Lake and Raft House Day Tour from Khao Sok: $90
  • Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui: $63
  • From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $121
  • From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $78
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
  • Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $55
  • Khao Sok Lake Overnight Superior Group Tour with Meals Included: $155
  • Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $125

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

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

  • 1 Day Motorcycle Adventure Tour West Java: $206
  • 1 Day Motorcycle Tour To Citorek Banten West Of Java: $217
  • 3 Hours Jakarta City Tour (Jakarta's Iconic Places): $45
  • 7 Hours Indonesia Cultural & Heritage Park Tour: $110
  • Afternoon Guided Chinatown Tour in Jakarta: $53
  • Afternoon city tour Jakarta: $82
  • Authentic Full Day Colonial Jakarta Heritage Trail Tour: $75
  • Batik Course & City Tour Jakarta: $60
  • Bogor City Full-Day Private Tour from Jakarta with Pick Up: $160
  • Bogor City Tour Nature waterfall with Local Food ( Start From Jakarta ): $130
  • Botanical Garden And Miniature Park Of Indonesia Tour: $100
  • City Tour Jakarta: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.46
    Jakarta $3.80


When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Jakarta, we can see that Jakarta 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 Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Jakarta Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 8540120 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Jakarta, 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.