Is Vietnam cheaper than Indonesia in 2026? Yes — for most travelers, Vietnam is 10–25% cheaper day-to-day, mainly because street food, accommodation, and local transport costs are lower and more consistent across the country. Indonesia can be extremely cheap in some places, but costs vary widely depending on where you go. Bali in particular can push your budget up fast.
If you’ve already read our full breakdown of is Vietnam expensive to visit and is Indonesia expensive to visit, this comparison will help you pick the better value destination for your 2026 trip.
Both are iconic Southeast Asia destinations. Vietnam is a mainland “route country” where travel is linear and predictable. Indonesia is an archipelago where costs depend on island choices and flight frequency. Understanding that difference is the key to budgeting accurately.
Quick answer: who wins on cost?
Vietnam is cheaper if:
• you want $1–$3 street food
• you want $6–$12 hostels and budget hotels
• you’re moving through multiple cities overland
• you’re traveling on a strict backpacker budget
Indonesia is better value if:
• you base yourself in one area (especially outside Bali)
• you find deals on domestic flights
• you want cheap scooter-based travel
• you travel slower and avoid too many island hops
Vietnam vs Indonesia daily budget comparison
For regional context, see how much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost.
| Travel style | Vietnam (per day) | Indonesia (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $25–35 | $28–45 |
| Mid-range traveler | $45–70 | $55–90 |
| Comfort travel | $90–140 | $110–180 |
Vietnam tends to be cheaper and more predictable. Indonesia can match Vietnam’s prices in Java, Sumatra, or parts of Lombok — but Bali often raises the average.
The “Bali effect”: why Indonesia’s budget varies so much
Indonesia is not one price. It’s many prices.
If you travel mainly in:
• Java (Yogyakarta, Bandung)
• Sumatra (Medan base trips)
• Lombok
• East Java (Bromo region)
You can keep costs low.
But if your trip is Bali-heavy, Indonesia becomes significantly more expensive because:
• accommodation is more “tourist-priced” in hotspots
• cafés and Western food are common daily temptations
• tours and private drivers add up quickly
• short taxi rides can become frequent spending
Vietnam has tourist areas too, but the baseline is usually cheaper everywhere.
Typical 2-week route comparison (real travel logistics)
Vietnam route: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
Indonesia route: Bali → Nusa Penida → Lombok → Gili Islands (or Java)
| Transport for 2 weeks | Vietnam | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Long-distance buses/trains | $40–80 | Limited between islands |
| Domestic flights | $60–120 | $90–180 |
| Ferries/boats | Minimal | $30–80 |
| Total transport cost | $120–200 | $170–320 |
Vietnam is easier to do overland. Indonesia often requires domestic flights plus ferries, which is the main reason total trip costs can be higher.
Accommodation cost comparison
| Accommodation type | Vietnam | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | $5–10 | $6–14 |
| Budget hotel | $18–30 | $22–40 |
| Mid-range hotel | $35–70 | $45–90 |
Vietnam wins for pure budget. Indonesia can be similar outside Bali, but popular areas often push prices up.
Food price comparison
Vietnam is one of the cheapest food destinations in the world. Indonesia can be cheap too (warungs), but tourist areas skew prices higher.
| Food type | Vietnam | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | $1.5–2.5 | $2–4 |
| Local restaurant meal | $3–6 | $4–8 |
| Western meal | $7–12 | $8–15 |
Vietnam’s street food culture makes it easy to eat well cheaply every day. In Indonesia, you can eat very cheaply if you stick to local warungs — but in Bali many travelers end up paying “café prices.”
Coffee, beer and SIM index (daily essentials)
| Daily essentials | Vietnam | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Local coffee | $1–2 | $1.5–3 |
| Local beer | $1–2 | $2.5–4 |
| SIM card/data | $6–10 | $8–12 |
Indonesia is often more expensive for alcohol, and in some areas it’s less accessible due to local norms and taxes. Vietnam is consistently cheap for both coffee and beer.
Local transport: Grab vs scooters
Vietnam:
• GrabBike is extremely cheap and fast in cities
• taxis are affordable
• trains and buses connect regions
Indonesia:
• scooters are the main budget tool in many destinations
• ride-hailing works well in cities
• private drivers and tours can increase costs in Bali
If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, Indonesia can feel cheap quickly. If you prefer cars and guided tours, Vietnam usually stays cheaper.
Island and beach travel costs
Vietnam beaches: Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang
Indonesia beaches: Bali, Lombok, Gilis, Nusa Penida
| Beach expenses | Vietnam | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Day tour | $18–35 | $25–50 |
| Snorkeling trip | $20–40 | $30–60 |
| Budget beach room | $15–30 | $20–45 |
Indonesia has more famous island experiences, but they often cost more because you pay for boats, transfers, and sometimes premium “tourist tours.” Vietnam’s beach destinations are often cheaper and easier to reach.
ATM limits and withdrawal fees (hidden cost)
| ATM limits | Vietnam | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Typical withdrawal limit | 2,000,000 VND (~$80) | 2,000,000–3,000,000 IDR (~$125–$190) |
| Foreign ATM fee | ~$4–5 | ~$3–5 |
Vietnam’s low withdrawal limits can force multiple withdrawals, multiplying bank fees. Indonesia often allows larger withdrawals, but fees vary by bank and location.
Seasonal price differences
Vietnam:
• higher prices during Tet (Lunar New Year) and peak dry months in popular regions
Indonesia:
• Bali peaks heavily in July–August and around December/January
• prices spike during holidays and school breaks
In both countries, shoulder season travel can save 20–40%.
Who should choose Vietnam?
Vietnam is ideal if:
• you want the cheapest day-to-day costs
• you love street food culture
• you want overland travel through multiple cities
• you want predictable budgeting
Who should choose Indonesia?
Indonesia is ideal if:
• you want island variety and iconic beach destinations
• you travel slower and base yourself longer
• you’re comfortable using scooters
• you’re willing to pay more for Bali-style experiences
Final verdict: Vietnam vs Indonesia cost
Vietnam is usually cheaper overall in 2026, especially for backpackers and travelers moving through multiple destinations. Indonesia can be equally affordable outside Bali, but island hopping and tourist hotspots often increase the final trip cost. If your priority is strict budget travel, Vietnam wins. If your priority is island experiences, Indonesia can be worth the extra cost.
Decision table: Vietnam vs Indonesia
Choose Vietnam if:
• you want $1–$3 meals and ultra-cheap transport
• you want the most predictable daily budget
• you want a classic overland itinerary
Choose Indonesia if:
• you want beaches and island hopping as the main focus
• you are okay budgeting extra for boats and flights
• you travel slow and avoid expensive tourist zones
Compare both to the rest of Southeast Asia:
How much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost
FAQ
Is Vietnam cheaper than Indonesia?
Yes. Vietnam is usually 10–25% cheaper overall, especially for daily spending like food and local transport.
Is Indonesia expensive because of Bali?
Bali can raise the average cost significantly. Indonesia outside Bali can be very affordable.
Which is better for backpackers?
Vietnam is usually cheaper and easier for a multi-city backpacking route.
Is island hopping cheaper in Vietnam or Indonesia?
Vietnam is cheaper for beach travel, but Indonesia offers more island variety and iconic experiences.
