A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Matsue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Matsue?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Matsue? 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 Matsue?

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Yogyakarta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $58, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $37
    Matsue $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $74
    Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Matsue? 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 Matsue


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 Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.33
    Matsue $20

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: $48
  • Canoeing Experience in Yogyakarta with Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
  • Prambanan Cycling and Temple Tour with Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer Airport Yogyakarta (JOG) to All City Destination: $11
  • Private Transfer From or To Yogyakarta Airport: $24
  • Private Transfer From or To: Yogyakarta,Bromo,Ijen,Ketapang,Bali: $253
  • Private Transfer From/To Yogyakarta Airport: $26
  • Private Transfer from Banguntapan to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $68
  • Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
    Matsue $27

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $16
    Matsue $8.81

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: $1.52
  • Chicken Church at Karangrejo Village Admission Ticket: $1.89
  • Java Puppets Museum Admission Ticket: $2.50
  • 6 hours Borobudur temple climb up tour only.: $19
  • Jomblang cave Tour only.: $19
  • Prambanan Afternoon Tour Discover Magic sunset: $19
  • Yogyakarta : Jomblang Cave tour with local Guide: $20
  • Walking Tour of Yogyakarta's Oldest Neighbourhood: $21
  • Yogyakarta City Tour: $21
  • Authentic Yogya Bicycle Tour: $22
  • Jomblang Cave Tour: $22
  • Guided Tour to Borobudur with Full Access: $23

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.93
    Matsue $6.85


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


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Matsue?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Matsue, 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.