A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Kobe for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bali or Kobe?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Kobe can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Bali travel costs.

Kobe

Kobe is a multicultural, quaint, and subdued city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kobe travel costs.

Bali and Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Kobe?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bali than Kobe. While Kobe is larger than Bali, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kobe is known for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Bali is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Kobe is popular for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Bali different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kobe and Bali. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Kobe?

Kobe is very good for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Kobe offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Kobe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Bali, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kobe makes for a great culinary experience. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Bali has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Resorts?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kobe is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Bali for its luxury resorts. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Beaches?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Bali offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Hiking?

Bali is great for hiking. However, Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Kobe is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Kobe?

Both Bali and Kobe are high quality shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Is Bali or Kobe More Beautiful?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Kobe is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Families?

Bali is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bali. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Couples?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bali is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Bali or Kobe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bali and Kobe offer good public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Kobe has some public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Bali or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable place. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Bali?

How long in Bali or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bali or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bali than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Kobe 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Bali. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kobe. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bali or Kobe?

Bali is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kobe is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Five days in Bali or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Bali. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Kobe. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Kobe?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical island of Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

The multicultural city of Kobe offers nightlife and food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe than you might in Bali.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bali or Kobe?

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

When is the best time to visit Bali or Kobe?

Kobe has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Kobe. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the summer, Bali often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Kobe. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bali is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Kobe. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

Bali is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bali often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Kobe. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Bali