A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ubud vs. Kobe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ubud or Kobe?

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 Kobe. 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 Kobe?

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.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Ubud?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ubud is $150, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. 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 Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ubud $133
    Kobe $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ubud $266
    Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Ubud and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Ubud or Kobe? 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 Ubud


Hotels in Kobe


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 Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ubud $1.82
    Kobe $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:

  • All Inclusive:Bali to Gili Islands | Snorkeling + Transfers + Stay-3Days/2Nights: $299
  • Private Tour 3 Day Exploring Bali Including Airport Transfer And Lunch: $297
  • 4 Days Bali Tour with ATV Ride and Airport Transfer: $262
  • Bali Budget 5 Days, Tours & Air Port Transfers : $237
  • Bali New Kuta Golf Package with Private Transfer: $205
  • Private Tour: Amazing 3 Days Bali Sightseeing Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $170
  • 2 Days 1 Night Bali Nusa Penida Private Tour with Transfer: $165
  • 3 Days Bali Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $164
  • Actively enjoy marine sports / Seawalker + Selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $162
  • Actively enjoy marine sports / popular flyboard + selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) round-trip hotel transfer included: $162
  • Actively enjoy marine sports / 4 types of marine sports to choose from (parasailing, jet skiing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $162
  • 1 DAY Enjoy Lembongan Island! Snorkeling + mangrove exploration + sightseeing on the island such as the scenic spot "Devil's Tears" / marine sports enjoyment banana boat / transfer included: $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55
  • Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $240
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
  • Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Ubud or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ubud $12
    Kobe $30

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: $10
  • Jimbaran Bay Sunset Dinner with Discount Voucher and Return Transport : $12
  • Munduk authentic cooking class & banyumala waterfall: $19
  • Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
  • Balinese Traditional Cooking Classes with Market Tour: $22
  • Balinese Traditional Cooking Class with Market Tour: $22
  • Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $23
  • Balinese Cooking Class and Market Tour with Transfers: $23
  • Cooking Class with Transfers and Optional Market Visit: $23
  • Balinese Cooking Class with Hotel Transfers: $26
  • Best of Ubud with Cooking Class Experience: $26
  • Jimbaran Beach Candle Light Dinner : $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

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

  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ubud $10
    Kobe $23

Tours and Activities in Ubud

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

  • 1 DAY Valley Trekking at Hidden Canyon Bejiguwang + Sightseeing/Private Tour 8 Hours/English/Japanese Driver Included: $37
  • All Inclusive Tour in Nusa Lembongan Islands : $145
  • BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR Private Tour with Wifi onboard: $87
  • Bali : Best Private Day Tour with Private Driver : $26
  • Bali : Customized Tour Sekumpul Waterfalls & Handara gate Heaven: $36
  • Bali : Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep 4WD Experience: $38
  • Bali PrivateTanahlot Sunset Tour: $110
  • Bali Royal palaces (observe tour): $88
  • Barong Dance and Waterfall tour in Bali: $35
  • Best Ubud Tours -All inclusive with private driver: $35
  • Best of Ubud Tours with Jungle Swing ( All Inclusive ): $83
  • Gate Of Heaven Lempuyang Temple Tours with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling: $35

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • Kobe Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Admission Ticket: $16
  • Mt Rokko night view & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour: $57
  • Private Tour - Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible: $70
  • Kobe : Private Custom Tour (Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible): $71
  • Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host: $78
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
  • Sake Tour and Tasting in Kobe: $84
  • Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour: $92
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
  • Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $94
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ubud $6.88
    Kobe $8.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
  • Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ubud and Kobe, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Kobe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kobe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kobe 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud than you might in Kobe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ubud Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ubud or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Kobe, 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.