Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Yogyakarta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yogyakarta or Lijiang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Yogyakarta or Lijiang? 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.
Where Should I go: Yogyakarta or Lijiang?
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, also called Yogya, Jogja, and Jogjakarta, is Java's hub of culture and art, and is the top-visited destination on the island. While Jakarta is the most populated and industrially-developed city in Indonesia, Yogya has managed to progress without losing its cultural charm, as illustrated in its well-kept traditional Indonesian architecture.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYogyakarta $58Lijiang $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $58, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $41. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYogyakarta $37Lijiang $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYogyakarta $74Lijiang $30
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Lijiang? 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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yogyakarta $1.33Lijiang $5.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta
Also for Yogyakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ramayana Ballet Dance Show with Transfers: $25
- Layover Tour w/ Entry Tickets & Airport Transfer: $94
- Jomblang Cave Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $30
- Yogyakarta Private Departure Transfer- Yogyakarta Hotel to Airport: $20
- Yogyakarta International Airport to Hotel - Arrival Transfer: $32
- Yogyakarta Airport : for pick up or transfer service: $28
- Transfer In or Out Airport Yogyakarta: $9.61
- Semarang & Transfer To The Hotel or Airport: $93
- Private Yogyakarta Airport Transfer Service with English Speaking Driver: $48
- Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport YIA To City Center: $29
- Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Yogyakarta City: $34
- Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Tridadi: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Shangri-la(Diqing) hotel: $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali : $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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
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Food Meals for one dayYogyakarta $12Lijiang $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta
For Yogyakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Morning Food Tour with Tasting: $22
- Kotagede Night Food Tour: $27
- Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour: $30
- Yogyakarta : Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $32
- Prambanan temple afternoon tour and dinner: $34
- Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
- Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
- Night Walking and Food Tour: $37
- Ramayana Ballet Performance with Dinner: $38
- Yogyakarta Cooking Class and Market Tour : $40
- Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $40
- Yogyakarta Day Food Tour: $48
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yogyakarta $16Lijiang $20
Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta
For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Tour Borobudur Sunrise – Merapi Volcano – Prambanan (Transport Only): $80
- Sunrise : Punthuk Setumbu, Borobudur And Prambanan Temples Tour (PRIVATE TOUR): $121
- Yogyakarta Jomblang Cave Day Tour (PRIVATE TOUR): $88
- 1 day Yogyakarta Tour Jomblang cave and Pindul Cave tubing: $72
- 1 day tour Borobudur and Prambanan Temples : $69
- 1 day tour borobudur temple,prambanan temple,plaosan temple: $72
- 1-Day Yogyakarta Borobudur and City Tour - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $188
- 1-Day Yogyakarta City Tour Prangtritis Beach - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $139
- 1-Day Yogyakarta Javanese Culture - PRIVATE TOUR with GUIDE: $198
- 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Borobudur - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $183
- 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Pengger Heha - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $139
- 1-Day Yogyakarta Prambanan Breksi Ijo Temple - PRIVATE Tour with Guide: $183
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- 1 day Lijiang Highlights Mini Group Tour: $203
- 1-Day Lijiang tour with Lijiang Old Town,Black Dragon Pool,Baisha Village,Shuhe: $207
- 1-Day Old Town Tour in Lijiang: $166
- 1-Day Private Tour to Lijiang Highlights: $297
- 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
- 2-Days Self-Guided tour from Lijiang to Dali and overnight in Shaxi old town: $212
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang: $221
- Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $208
- Marvelous Gorge Sightseeing and Photo-Taking From Lijiang: $264
- One Day Lijiang Tour Including Tickets: $445
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYogyakarta $4.93Lijiang $7.86
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Lijiang, we can see that Yogyakarta is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Yogyakarta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yogyakarta than you might in Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yogyakarta Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Lijiang?
Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Lijiang, 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.