Indonesia is one of the most diverse travel destinations in the world. From the rice terraces of Bali to the volcanoes of Java and the beaches of Lombok, the country offers incredible experiences for every type of traveler.
But is Indonesia still cheap in 2026? With Bali becoming more popular and tourism booming again across Southeast Asia, many travelers worry that prices are rising fast.
The short answer: Indonesia can still be very affordable, but costs vary greatly depending on where you go and how you travel.
This guide breaks down real travel costs in Indonesia so you can plan a realistic budget.
Average cost of a trip to Indonesia
Typical daily budgets in 2026:
• Budget traveler: $30–40/day (≈ 480k–640k IDR)
• Mid-range traveler: $60–100/day (≈ 960k–1.6M IDR)
• Luxury traveler: $150–250+/day (≈ 2.4M–4M IDR)
Indonesia is generally similar to Thailand in price but cheaper than most Western destinations.
For a regional overview read how much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost.
Daily cost comparison table (2026)
| Expense | Budget (Local) | Mid-range (Flashpacker) |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | $2 (≈32k IDR) | $8 (≈128k IDR) |
| Transport | $1 fuel (≈16k IDR) | $12 ride (≈190k IDR) |
| Beer | $2 (≈32k IDR) | $5 (≈80k IDR) |
| Room | $12 (≈190k IDR) | $50 (≈800k IDR) |
Indonesia offers excellent value for long-term travel.
Is Bali more expensive than the rest of Indonesia? (2026 price gap)
The biggest mistake travelers make is assuming Bali prices represent the entire country.
Bali (most expensive region)
Canggu, Ubud and Seminyak have seen large price increases due to digital nomads and tourism demand.
Affordable Bali alternatives
Places like Lombok and Banyuwangi offer similar beaches, volcanoes and culture at significantly lower prices. Accommodation and food can be 30–40% cheaper than Bali.
Choosing destinations beyond Bali can dramatically reduce your travel budget.
Accommodation prices in Indonesia
Accommodation remains affordable across most of the country.
Budget accommodation
• Hostels dorm beds: $8–15/night
• Guesthouses: $12–25/night
Mid-range hotels
• Boutique hotels: $40–70/night
• Villas and resorts: $60–120/night
Luxury resorts
• 5-star resorts and villas: $150–350/night
Private villas in Bali offer exceptional value compared to Europe or the US.
Food prices in Indonesia
Food is cheap and delicious, especially when eating locally.
Local food (warungs)
• Nasi goreng or mie goreng: $2–3
• Fresh fruit smoothie: $1.50–2
• Local coffee: $1–2
Western restaurants
• Café brunch: $7–12
• Dinner in tourist areas: $12–20
Eating local keeps daily food costs low.
Gojek and Grab: the transport secret
Indonesia has two major ride-sharing apps: Grab and Gojek.
Typical ride costs:
• Scooter ride: $1–3
• Car ride: $3–8
Insider tip: link Grab or Gojek to digital wallets like OVO or Dana. Many rides and food deliveries include 10–20% cashback or discounts that you don’t get when paying cash.
This small trick can save a surprising amount of money during a trip.
Island hopping costs
Indonesia is a massive archipelago and transport between islands can increase your budget.
Typical transport costs:
• Domestic flights: $40–90
• Fast boats: $25–50
• Scooter rental: $6–9/day
Island hopping is often the biggest additional cost in Indonesia.
Activities and tours prices
• Volcano sunrise trek: $25–50
• Snorkeling or diving trip: $30–90
• Komodo National Park tour: $80–150
• Surf lessons: $25–40
Tours often become the biggest daily expense after accommodation.
Indonesia vs Thailand travel costs
Indonesia and Thailand are similar in price overall, but travel style changes the total cost.
Thailand is cheaper for street food and transport, while Indonesia offers better value accommodation and villas.
Read is Thailand expensive to visit in 2026.
Indonesia vs Vietnam travel costs
Vietnam is usually slightly cheaper than Indonesia, especially for transport and food.
Read is Vietnam expensive to visit in 2026.
Total trip cost examples
2-week budget trip
Flights: $700–1000
Daily budget: $35 × 14 = $490
Activities: $250
Total: $1,440 – $1,740
2-week mid-range trip
Flights: $700–1000
Daily budget: $80 × 14 = $1,120
Activities: $350
Total: $2,170 – $2,470
For Europe comparison read how much does a 2 week trip to Europe cost.
How to travel Indonesia on a budget
• Eat at local warungs daily
• Travel slowly between islands
• Use Grab and Gojek instead of taxis
• Rent a scooter for longer stays
• Visit Lombok, Java and Flores instead of only Bali
Indonesia can be very affordable when traveling smart.
FAQ
Is Indonesia cheaper than Thailand in 2026?
They are similar in price, but Indonesia offers cheaper accommodation while Thailand has cheaper street food and transport.
Is Bali expensive?
Bali is the most expensive part of Indonesia, but still affordable compared to Western destinations.
How much money do I need for 2 weeks in Indonesia?
Most travelers spend $1,400–2,500 total including flights.
Is Indonesia good for budget travel?
Yes. Indonesia remains one of the best value destinations in Southeast Asia.
