A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Airlie Beach for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach? 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a cultural, historical, and colorful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Airlie Beach travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to Borobudur Temple
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach. Although Yogyakarta and Airlie Beach are popular destinations, Airlie Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Airlie Beach is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Yogyakarta attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Airlie Beach is famous for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. It is also well known for the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

How is Yogyakarta different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Airlie Beach and Yogyakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Yogyakarta is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Yogyakarta that are not to be missed. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yogyakarta makes for a great culinary experience. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Yogyakarta offers plenty to do in the evening. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Airlie Beach is a great choice. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.


Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Airlie Beach a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is renowned for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Airlie Beach. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

People visit Airlie Beach specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Yogyakarta is very popular for shopping. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Yogyakarta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach More Beautiful?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Airlie Beach is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Airlie Beach makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Yogyakarta and Airlie Beach are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Airlie Beach is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.


Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Students?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Yogyakarta is a good destination for students. However, Airlie Beach is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is a good city to visit for students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Airlie Beach is not popular with students.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Airlie Beach has some public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable town. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

Both Yogyakarta and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Yogyakarta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

Families should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Yogyakarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Airlie Beach, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Yogyakarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Airlie Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Airlie Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Yogyakarta.


  • How many days in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yogyakarta 2-4 
    Airlie Beach 4-7

One day in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and nightlife around the laid back town of Airlie Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Airlie Beach, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Airlie Beach, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

Yogyakarta is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Airlie Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta is $64, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $165. 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 Yogyakarta and Airlie Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $35
    Airlie Beach $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $70
    Airlie Beach $118
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Airlie Beach

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach? 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 Yogyakarta


Hotels in Airlie Beach


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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.28
    Airlie Beach $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

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

  • Private Transfer Airport Yogyakarta (JOG) to All City Destination: $7.00
  • Yogyakarta Airport: Private Transfer To/ From The Hotels: $12
  • YIA Airport Private Transfer: $12
  • Indonesia: Yogyakarta Airport Transfer: $14
  • From Roundtrip Transfer to Borobudur Temple: $15
  • Private Airport Transfer YIA: $22
  • Private Transfer Airport Jogyakarta ( Adisucipto ): $25
  • Borobudur 5-hour Tour with Climb-up & Transfers: $25
  • Borobudur ClimbUP Afternoon Guided and transfer: $26
  • Yogyakarta Airport Transfer (For 1-4 person): $27
  • Yogyakarta Airport Transfer ( Private Service ): $28
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport YIA To City Center: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:

  • Whitsundays: Airport Transfer to/from Airlie Beach: $16
  • Private Transfer to/from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $148
  • Private Transfer to/from Shute Harbour: $134
  • One Way Airport Transfer: Proserpine-Airlie Beach (or vice versa): $17
  • Established Return Airport Transfer Proserpine to Airlie Beach: $28
  • Airport Transfer to Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $32
  • Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Airlie Beach?

Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Yogyakarta 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
    Yogyakarta $19
    Airlie Beach $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

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

  • Ramayana Show with Transfer, Entry Fee & Dinner: $13
  • Night Walking & Street Food Tour: $21
  • Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Morning Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Kotagede Night Food Tour: $27
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Optional Dinner: $28
  • Yogyakarta Historical Walking and Food Tour: $29
  • Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour: $30
  • Nighttime Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Cooking Class with Market Visit and Hotel Pickup: $33
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • 3-hour Cooking Class with Market Tour: $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach

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

  • 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $15
    Airlie Beach $161

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Chicken Church at Karangrejo Village Admission Ticket: $1.84
  • Obelix Hills Entry Ticket: $2.18
  • Java Puppets Museum Admission Ticket: $2.50
  • YOGYAKARTA CITY TOUR,SULTAN PALACE,WATER CASTLE AND CRAFTS.: $6.23
  • Half Day Keraton and Taman Sari Tour: $10
  • Prambanan Temple Afternoon Tour: $12
  • Prambanan Temple: Half-Day Guided Tour From Yogyakarta: $14
  • Jomblang Cave & Pindul Cave Adventur Tour: $15
  • Borobudur(Guarantee Climb up) Shared Guide Tour: $15
  • Jomblang Cave and Pindul Cave Tour with Lunch: $15
  • Yogayakarta : Jomblang Cave and Pindul Cave Tour: $15
  • Borobudur and Prambanan Temple Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:

  • Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Guided Night Tour: $66
  • Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • Airlie Beach Jet Ski Tours: $164
  • Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $46
  • Airlie Beach Trike Tours: $50
  • #1 Sightseeing Explorer 3hr tour.: $62
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $45
  • Adults-Only Whitehaven Beach Sailing Tour: $187
  • Airlie Adventure Jet Ski Tour: $170
  • BYOB Sunset Sail in Style Catamaran Cruise: $72
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Tour: $209

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.74
    Airlie Beach $9.06


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yogyakarta is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach than you might in Yogyakarta.

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