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

Should you visit Ubud or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo. 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 Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

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 in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ubud $133
    Tokyo $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ubud $266
    Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Ubud and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Ubud or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ubud $1.82
    Tokyo $17

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
  • 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
  • Actively enjoy marine sports / popular flyboard + selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) round-trip hotel transfer included: $164
  • 3 Days Bali Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $164
  • 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
  • Batur Volcano Trekking with Hot-spring, Breakfast and Hotel Transfer: $110
  • Private Ubud Rafting, Quad Bike, with 1,5 Hour Spa With Transfer: $100
  • Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $95
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking with Hotel Transfers : $95
  • Bedugul Tour with Hotel Transfer & Entrance Ticket: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Airport Transfer between Narita and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $223
  • Airport transfer between Haneda and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $123
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan: $278
  • Departure Private Transfer Tokyo to Haneda Airport (HND): $182
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $278
  • Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $76
  • From Haneda Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Tokyo City: $88
  • From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
  • Fuji-Q Highland 1-Day Pass with Private Transfer: $239
  • Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $815
  • Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $98
  • Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to/from Central Tokyo: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Ubud or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.

  • Jimbaran Bay Sunset Dinner with Discount Voucher and Return Transport : $12
  • 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
  • Cooking Class with Transfers and Optional Market Visit: $23
  • Balinese Cooking Class and Market Tour with Transfers: $23
  • Balinese Cooking Class with Hotel Transfers: $26
  • Jimbaran Beach Candle Light Dinner : $26
  • Subak cooking class (Balinese cooking school) 9 Dish Cooking and Market Tour: $26
  • 8 Hours Private Balinese Cooking Class with Tirta Empul Temple: $28
  • Jambangan bali cooking class with morning market tour: $29

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

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


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.22
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.22
  • Meal at Airport
    $6.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
  • Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
  • 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
  • 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $35
  • Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
  • 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
  • Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
  • Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
  • Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $59
  • Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ubud $10
    Tokyo $68

Tours and Activities in Ubud

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

  • 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
  • Gate Of Heaven Lempuyang Temple Tours with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling: $35
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Adventure With Guide: $30
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour & Natural Hot Spring: $40
  • Newest Exotic & Instagrammable Photo Spots Tour in Bali.: $60

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
  • Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
  • Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
  • 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
  • Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
  • Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32
  • Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
  • Asakusa(Tokyo): Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
  • Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ubud $6.88
    Tokyo $33

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $3.91

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

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

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $79
  • barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
  • Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
  • Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
  • 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
  • Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
  • Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
  • Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190


When comparing the travel costs between Ubud and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ubud or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Tokyo, 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.