A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours China vs. Indonesia

Should you visit China or Indonesia?

China and Indonesia are both very populated nations that provide an Asian cultural experience to visitors. Indonesia is much cheaper, and has amazing beaches and jungles. China, on the other hand, is known more for its history, food, and big cities.

China is massive, diverse, enigmatic, beautiful, and chaotic. But it's hard to summarize the price of everything in a country as large as this. From sprawling metropolises to sparsely populated countryside, the price of travel in China is as diverse as its attractions. Large cities are generally higher in price than the countryside, but overall China is surprisingly affordable.


Which country is cheaper, Indonesia or China?

Should I visit China or Indonesia? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Indonesia can cost you about $362 (per person), while a week in China may cost you around $503. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Indonesia or China can really add to your travel budget.

Accommodation is often cheaper in Indonesia compared to China ($28 vs. $31). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.

Compare hostel, B&B, and guesthouse prices between Indonesia and China to find the cheapest accommodation here: Indonesia hostels and China hostels.

When comparing food in China vs. Indonesia they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in China ($21) are often cheaper than Indonesia ($14).

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    China $72
    Indonesia $52
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    China $31
    Indonesia $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    China $62
    Indonesia $55
  • Food Meals for one day
    China $21
    Indonesia $14
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    China $14
    Indonesia $6.66
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    China $15
    Indonesia $8.70
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    China $10
    Indonesia $4.37
  • Water Bottled water for one day
    China $0.90
    Indonesia $1.06
How much are flights to China and Indonesia?


Find a Hostel in China or Indonesia



When is the best time to visit China and Indonesia?
Pottery in Jingdezhen, China Pottery in Jingdezhen, China






Why is China more expensive than Indonesia?
The overall low cost of living of Indonesia, combined with low wages and a massive population has left the tourism industry with plenty of competition, especially compared to some of its Asian neighbors. For western travelers from the U.S., Australia, or Europe, this means that Indonesia is a dream destination for a cheap price (once you pay for a plane ticket). With some of the most beautiful tropical destinations in the world available for extremely low prices, it's easy to see why this is a popular destination.

China's economy has been growing in leaps and bounds in recent years and decades, leading to a growing middle class and rising tourism industry. While competition is keeping prices down, it's not enough, thus tourism prices are generally increasing. Furthermore, with large populations moving to the larger cities looking for work, the overall cost of living is going up.

Transportation in China is also become more high-tech. With bullet trains, subway systems, and internet-enabled ride sharing services, moving around is becoming more convenient, but also more expensive.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in China and Indonesia?
Ubud, Bali Ubud, Bali





In the countryside of both Indonesia and China, prices can be very cheap, especially in off-the-beaten path locations.

How you can save money when visiting China and Indonesia?

Look into the price of flights. The Chinese government subsidizes many flights and airlines, leaving you with plenty of ways to get around this huge country fairly quickly.


Smile and make friends with the locals. Many travelers have stories of how a friendly local got them a great deal or some other amazing benefit that they couldn't have gotten themselves.



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