A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Yogyakarta vs. Malang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Malang?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Malang? 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 Malang?

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.

Malang

Malang is a city in East Java, Indonesia. It's a cultured city with several important universities, and is home to a large student population. Prized by the Dutch for its mild highland climate, the city retains much of its colonial architecture. Established by the Dutch in the closing decades of the 18th century, Malang earned its first fortunes from coffee, which flourished on the surrounding hillsides. Today, the city's colonial grandeur is quickly disappearing behind the homogenous facades of more modern developments, but there's still much to admire. The Balai Kota building blends Indonesian and Dutch styles, and grand mansions line the main boulevard, Jalan Besar Ijen. To the east is Mt. Bromo, a volcano with hiking trails. The central area is not too large and quite walkable. And with a number of Hindu temples and sights outside the city, Malang makes an ideal base to explore this intriguing corner of east Java.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Malang or Yogyakarta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $59, while the average daily cost in Malang is $67. 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 Malang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $37
    Malang $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $74
    Malang $92
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Malang

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Malang? 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 Malang


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 Malang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.35
    Malang $1.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

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

  • Borobudur 5-Hour Guided Tour with Climb-up Access & Transfer: $29
  • Borobudur Sunrise, Merapi Volcano & Prambanan Day Tour with Guide & Transfer: $85
  • Borobudur Village Cycling and Temple Tour with Transfer: $49
  • Canoeing Experience in Yogyakarta with Hotel Transfer: $51
  • Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
  • Prambanan Cycling and Temple Tour with Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer Airport Jogyakarta ( Adisucipto ): $25
  • Private Transfer From or To Yogyakarta Airport: $26
  • Private Transfer From/To Yogyakarta Airport: $28
  • Private Transfer from Banguntapan to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $68
  • Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $94
  • Private Transfer from Borobudur Temple to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malang:

  • One Way Transfer from/to Yogyakarta-Surabaya-Malang-Bromo: $164
  • Mount Bromo: Sunrise Guided Tour with Optional Transfer: $149
  • South Beaches Tour with Private Transfer: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Malang?

Prices for flights to both Malang 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 $12
    Malang $18

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: $23
  • Morning Food Tour in Yogyakarta: $25
  • Yogyakarta : City Walk and Food Tour: $33
  • Prambanan temple afternoon tour and dinner: $35
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • Night Walking and Food Tour: $38
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class and Market Tour : $38
  • Yogyakarta : Ramayana Ballet Performance with Dinner: $39
  • Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $40
  • Javanese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $58
  • Nusantara Cooking Course and Lokal Market Tour: $82
  • Prambanan Temple and Ramayana Ballet Show (VIP Seat with dinner): $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $16
    Malang $9.05

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

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

  • Obelix Hills Entry Ticket: $1.56
  • Chicken Church at Karangrejo Village Admission Ticket: $1.95
  • Javanese Gamelan Experience - Admission Ticket: $4.10
  • Java Puppets Painting - Admission Ticket: $6.00
  • 6 hours Borobudur temple climb up tour only.: $19
  • Jomblang cave Tour only.: $20
  • Prambanan Afternoon Tour Discover Magic sunset: $20
  • Jogja Adventure Transport only: $20
  • Yogyakarta : Highlights Borobudor & Prambanan tour: $21
  • Walking Tour of Yogyakarta's Oldest Neighbourhood: $21
  • Yogyakarta tour to Volcano Tour, Borobudur Tour, Prambanan Tour: $21
  • Authentic Yogya Bicycle Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Malang

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

  • 1 Day - Amazing Bromo Sunrise tour with 7 spots // 00.30 -13.00: $44
  • 1 Day - Bromo Afternoon Siesta Tour start MALANG or SURABAYA // 11:00 - 18:00: $86
  • 1 Day - Bromo Morning Tour start MALANG or SURABAYA // 7.30-16:00: $86
  • 1 Day - Tumpak Sewu, Kapas Biru Waterfall, Goa Tetes cave* Tour // 07:30 - 17:00: $72
  • 1 Day - ULTIMATE TOUR Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Goa Tetes cave // 07:30 - 17:30: $55
  • 1Day - Bromo Non Sunrise Tour via Malang (to avoid crowd): $75
  • 1Day - Bromo Sunrise Tour via Malang (Sharing Trip): $45
  • 2 Days - Bromo Ijen Bali Ultimate Tour // D1 01.00 - D2 14.00: $178
  • 2 Days - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall & Mt Bromo Experience from Malang: $164
  • 2Days - Bromo Sunrise Ijen Adventure via Malang: $185
  • 3Days - Tumpaksewu Bromo Ijen Adventure via Malang: $267
  • Bromo Adventure: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $5.03
    Malang -


When comparing the travel costs between Yogyakarta and Malang, we can see that Malang 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 Yogyakarta Expensive? and Is Malang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Malang, 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.