A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Rome?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Rome? 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 colorful, youthful, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Rome is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Rome travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Borobudur Temple
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Yogyakarta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Yogyakarta is known for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Yogyakarta and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Yogyakarta is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Yogyakarta different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome 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 Rome?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Yogyakarta and Rome.

The museums and tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.


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

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Dining out in Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Yogyakarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Rome Better for Music?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome is renowned for its live music scene. However, Yogyakarta is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Rome. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Yogyakarta is not a live music destination.


Is Yogyakarta or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Yogyakarta is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Rome?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Yogyakarta and Rome.

Known for shopping, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its 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.

Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Yogyakarta or Rome More Beautiful?

Yogyakarta
Rome

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

Rome is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its many beautiful landmarks and impressive architecture, this city has a lot of attractive places to visit. Don't miss Villa Borghese Park, Trastevere, Palazzo Madama, the Appian Way, and Piazza Navona.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Yogyakarta or Rome Better for Families?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome 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, Rome is very family-friendly. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rome is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Yogyakarta is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.


Is Yogyakarta or Rome Better for Students?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

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

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta
Rome

Rome is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Rome?

Both Yogyakarta and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Yogyakarta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Yogyakarta 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 Rome.


  • How many days in Yogyakarta or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yogyakarta 2-4 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Yogyakarta or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Rome?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Yogyakarta. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Yogyakarta or Rome?

The colorful city of Yogyakarta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 $59, while the average daily cost in Rome is $236. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $33
    Rome $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $66
    Rome $206
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Rome? 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 Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.19
    Rome $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

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

  • Borobudur 5-hour Tour with Climb up Guarantee and Transfers: $45
  • From Roundtrip Transfer to Borobudur Temple: $15
  • From/To Yogyakarta Airport Private Transfer: $36
  • Indonesia: Yogyakarta Airport Transfer: $14
  • Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
  • Jomblang Cave Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $30
  • Jomblang Cave Tour from Yogyakarta with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Merapi Volcano Overnight Camping Trip with Transfers: $38
  • Private Transfer Airport Jogyakarta ( Adisucipto ): $25
  • Private Transfer Airport Yogyakarta (JOG) to All City Destination: $7.00
  • Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $70
  • Private Transfer from Borobudur to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $79

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.28
  • Train to the Airport
    $17
  • Taxi to Airport
    $51
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • private transfer from Rome to Fiumicino airport: $70
  • VIP Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome or Vice Versa: $70
  • VIP Experience Private Transfer from the Civitavecchia Port to Rome: $194
  • VIP Experience Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome: $111
  • Transfers from all Airports to ancient city of Rome: $70
  • Transfers from Fiumicino/Rome to Civitavecchia: $287
  • Transfers from Fiumicino airport: $82
  • Transfers from Civitavecchia to Fiumicino/Rome: $288
  • Transfers Fiumicino airport To Rome: $72
  • Transfers Ciampino airport To Rome: $49
  • Transfer service from Fiumicino Airport to Rome 4 - 8 passengers: $153
  • Transfer from the Port of Civitavecchia to Rome: $172

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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 $18
    Rome $95

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
  • Nighttime Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $33
  • Cooking Class with Market Visit and Hotel Pickup: $33
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • 3-hour Cooking Class with Market Tour: $35

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $16
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.41
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.56
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $3.02
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $36
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.28
  • Dinner
    $66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Rome Cooking: Pasta & Tiramisu Making, Free-Flowing Fine Wine: $39
  • Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine: $41
  • Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $41
  • Rome Food Tour: Tastings in the Jewish Ghetto & Campo de' Fiori: $42
  • Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
  • Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $46
  • Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $47
  • Gnocchi Cooking Class in Rome - Piazza Navona: $47
  • Pasta Cooking Class in Rome - Fettuccine Class in Piazza Navona: $47
  • Rome Street Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $50
  • Cooking Class in the Heart of Pizza and Tiramisu Making: $51
  • Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $14
    Rome $41

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: $1.71
  • Obelix Hills Entry Ticket: $2.18
  • HeHa Sky View Admission Ticket: $3.99
  • Indonesia: Ratu Boko Temple Entrance ticket: $3.99
  • YOGYAKARTA CITY TOUR,SULTAN PALACE,WATER CASTLE AND CRAFTS.: $6.23
  • Airport Handling Service - Admission Ticket: $12
  • Prambanan Temple Afternoon Tour: $12
  • Culinary and Heritage Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Half Day Keraton and Taman Sari Tour: $13
  • Indonesia: Borobudur Temple Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Prambanan Temple: Half-Day Guided Tour From Yogyakarta: $14
  • Borobudur(Guarantee Climb up) Shared Guide Tour: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $79
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $38
  • Roma Pass
    $34
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $23
  • Segway Tour
    $86

Tours and Activities in Rome

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

  • " Private pantheon tour: Explore Rome's Divine masterpiece": $104
  • 1 Day Rome Tour from Civitavecchia for Cruise Passengers: $91
  • 1 Hour Pantheon Tour: A Time Travel Experience in Rome + Ebook: $111
  • 1,5 H Ancient Rome Tour on a Golf Cart: $81
  • 1,5H Gianicolo and Trastevere Tour on a Golf Cart: $88
  • 1,5H Historical City Center Tour on a Golf Cart at Rome: $81
  • 1-hour Private Photography Experience in Rome: $117
  • 1h Colosseum Guided Tour + Roman Forum access: $69
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto: $41
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Rome's Enchanting Jewish Ghetto: $84
  • 2.5 Hours Private Tour in Rome on a Vintage Fiat 500 open cabrio: $187
  • 2h30 Tour of Rome Cathedral and Holy Stairs: $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.43
    Rome $21

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.41
  • Pint of Beer
    $7.23
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $22
  • Cabaret and Burlesque Show: $35
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $40
  • Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $46
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience with Food Pairing: $53
  • Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $56
  • Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $57
  • Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $59
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $65
  • Rome Nightlife Party Tour Monti Bar Crawl and Local Drinks: $67
  • Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History: $69
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $76


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome is in Europe, 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Rome?

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