Which place is cheaper, Kao-hsiung or Ubud?
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 Ubud or Kao-hsiung?
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 Ubud and Kao-hsiung. 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: Ubud or Kao-hsiung?
Ubud
Made popular by the film Eat Pray Love, Ubud is located in the uplands of Bali, Indonesia. Beautiful Hindu temples and iconic rice fields are the sight to see in this popular cultural, artistic and religious hub on the island.
Though Ubud is hot and humid during the day, it is still cooler than coastal areas. Still, temperatures linger between mid-70's and low 90's year-round, so it is likely you'll experience warm weather, regardless of when you visit.
Ubud's wet season is from November to June, which makes it an unpopular time for travelers. January and February are when Ubud experiences the heaviest rainfall, so it may be wise to avoid visiting at this time, especially since weather will limit activities, bring out insects, and cause landslides and possible flooding.
Dry season runs from July through October, which is high season for travel. Even during dry season, Ubud is extremely humid, so pack lightweight clothing that breathes and lots of sunblock.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan.
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Ubud Prices
Indonesia PricesKao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUbud $142Kao-hsiung $129
The average daily cost (per person) in Ubud is $142, while the average daily cost in Kao-hsiung is $129. 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 Ubud and Kao-hsiung in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUbud $119Kao-hsiung $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUbud $238Kao-hsiung $116
Compare Hotels in Ubud and Kao-hsiung
Looking for a hotel in Ubud 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: Ubud Hotel Prices and Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ubud $1.63Kao-hsiung $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $6.00
- Private Bali Airport Transfer – Fast, Safe & Comfortable Ride: $6.28
- Eco Friendly Premium Electric Vehicle Airport Transfers: $6.33
- Meet & Greet Bali Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $6.99
- Ubud Airport Transfer - Bali Denpasar Airport to Ubud: $7.00
- Bali Airport Private Departure Transfer: $7.00
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $7.50
- Airport Transfer Bali from (DPS) Ngurah Rai Airport to Jimbaran Area: $8.00
- Bali Ngurah Rai Airport Private Transfer: $8.63
- Bali Private Airport Hotel Transfer: $8.99
- Bali Airport Transfer - Price per Car: $9.00
- Denpasar Airport (DPS) to Bali hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $9.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $132
- Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer: $50
- Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $189
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port: $74
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
Is it cheaper to fly into Ubud or Kao-hsiung?
Prices for flights to both Kao-hsiung and Ubud 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 dayUbud $18Kao-hsiung $56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.
- Canggu: Drag Show with Dinner: $14
- Ubud Cooking Class with Optional Market Visit Pickup Included: $18
- Balinese Ubud Cooking Class with Market Visit and Transfer: $18
- Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
- Magical Village Tour & Private Dinner with Fireflies in Bali: $20
- Full Day Ubud Waterfall Visit and Cooking Experience: $22
- From Farm to Table: Balinese Cooking Class at Paon Escape Ubud: $24
- Ubud Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour with Rice Field View: $25
- Cooking Class and Dinner in Traditional House by Food Lover Tour: $25
- Bali Cooking Class at Balinese Traditional House: $26
- Private Traditional Bali Cooking Class in Sidemen: $28
- 8 Hours Private Balinese Cooking Class with Tirta Empul Temple: $28
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.Ubud $9.15Kao-hsiung $21
Tours and Activities in Ubud
Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bali Jatiluwih ATV Ride Jungle Tour: $4.57
- Private Bali Watersport Adventure: $8.00
- Mangrove Tour at Nusa Lembongan : Kayak, Paddle and Boat: $8.00
- One Way Ticket Fast Boat from Sanur Bali and Nusa Penida: $8.37
- Bali Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking Adventure: $9.00
- Bali Private Car Charter Tour with English Speaking Driver: $9.00
- Full-Day Private North Bali Tour with Free WiFi: $9.32
- 1 Hour Mangrove Tour From Lembongan with Kayak, Paddle, or Boat: $10
- Batur Natural Hot Spring Admission Ticket: $11
- Nusa Penida Private Tour Package All Inclusive: $12
- Tanah Lot Bali Temple Sunset Small Group Tour – Half Day: $13
- One-way Ticket Fast Boat from Sanur Bali or Nusa Lembongan: $13
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- Kenting Aquarium Admission Ticket in Taiwan: $28
- Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung: $33
- Kaohsiung Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: Fo Guang Shan x Lotus Pond x Pier-2: $62
- Kenting and Pingtung Popular Sightseeing Spot Tour From Kaohsiung: $65
- Maritime Kaohsiung Lotus Pond, Cijin Island and Love River Cruise: $65
- Kaohsiung City Walking and Night Market Tour: $70
- Kaohsiung Cultural Day: TourMoon World, Hakka Lei Cha DIY, Pier-2: $73
- Alishan Join-in Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $86
- Tainan Romantic Escape: Qipao Experience & Love Match Ceremony: $114
- Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour: $115
- Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUbud $6.15Kao-hsiung $10
When comparing the travel costs between Ubud and Kao-hsiung, we can see that Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive? and Is Kao-hsiung Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ubud or Kao-hsiung?
Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud 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.