A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Phnom Penh for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bali or Phnom Penh?

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 Phnom Penh can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bali or Phnom Penh?

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.

Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.

Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.


Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Bali?

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 Bali is $85, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is $50. 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 Bali and Phnom Penh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $40
    Phnom Penh $12
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $80
    Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Bali and Phnom Penh

Looking for a hotel in Bali or Phnom Penh? 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 Bali


Hotels in Phnom Penh


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: Bali Hotel Prices and Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bali $8.68
    Phnom Penh $7.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $2.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • All Inclusive Batur Sunrise Treking Guide Ticket And Transfer : $60
  • BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $114
  • Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Uluwatu & South Kuta: $31
  • Bali Nusa Dua Combo Parasailing And Snorkeling Include Transfer: $35
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure with Including Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $69
  • Bali Parasailing, Banana, Jet Ski, and Sea Walker with Transfer: $80
  • Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Bali Sea Walker, Parasailing Adventure, Donut Boat with Transfer: $67
  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $115
  • Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $72
  • White Water Rafting with transfers & lunch: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • PNH Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $7.00
  • Techo Airport (KTI) Pickup/Transfer Private Car: $16
  • Private Phnom Penh Airport Transfers to your hotel in town: $20
  • Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $20
  • Phnom Penh Airport Private Taxi Transfer - Hotels: $21
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $21
  • Private Airport ↔ City Center Transfer: $24
  • Private Airport Transfer From/To Hotels: $24
  • Techo International Airport Private Transfer: $25
  • PrivateTransfer: PhnomPenh Airport(PNH/KTI) to Hotel in PhnomPenh: $27
  • Private Transfer: PhnomPenh's Hotel to PhnomPenh Airport(PNH/KTI): $27
  • Techo International Airport Transfer to Hotel or vice versa: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Phnom Penh?

Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh and Bali 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
    Bali $34
    Phnom Penh $23
Typical Food Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.19
  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $26
  • Lunch for Two
    $7.75
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.59
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

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

  • Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
  • Private Tour Rafting Uluwatu Kecak Dance Sunset and Dinner in Jimbaran Bay: $30
  • Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
  • Amazing Private Tour-Uluwatu Kecak Dance and Romantic Seafood Dinner: $33
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $38
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $40
  • Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $41
  • South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
  • Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
  • Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour & Dinner at Jimbaran Bay: $63
  • Highlights Padang - Padang, Melasti Beach & Jimbaran Dinner: $65
  • Exotic North Bedugul, Tanah Lot, and Jimbaran Seafood Dinner: $65

Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $10
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

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

  • Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise Experience with Live Music: $12
  • Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
  • Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
  • Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
  • Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
  • Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
  • Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Evening Food Tour with Drinks & Tuk Tuk Included: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $10
    Phnom Penh $7.65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $52
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $27

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Bali Water Sports Adventure: $7.89
  • Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $14
  • Best of Ubud Full Day Private Guided Tour: $14
  • Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Melasti Beach: $15
  • Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Uluwatu Temple: $17
  • Uluwatu Kecak Tickets A Spectacular Show: $17
  • Bali Jetski Watersport Nusa Dua Beach Experience : $20
  • Besakih Mother Temple Tukad Cepung East Bali Private Guided Tour: $23
  • Bali Sea Walker Experience at Nusa Dua Beach: $23
  • Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay: $27
  • Guide, Uluwatu Temple Entry, and Kecak Dance Ticket: $28
  • Bali Quad Bike ATV Rides in Uluwatu Experiences: $28

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

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

  • Riverside Walking Tour with Snack, Drinks & Local Ferry Ride: $7.20
  • Phnom Penh Private Tour with Luggage Storage: $7.92
  • Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
  • Sunset Cruise-Freeflow Beers,Soft Drinks & BBQ Buffet: $9.00
  • NEW Sunset Cruise! "Your cruise U Choose "-Unlimited BBQ & Drinks: $9.00
  • Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $9.16
  • Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 wonderful options: $9.16
  • Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet: $9.16
  • Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer &Fruit platter: $9.35
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket Free Mekong Cruise: $12
  • Audio Guide Tour by Tuk-Tuk to Killing Field and Genocide Museum : $12
  • Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $3.07
    Phnom Penh $4.33

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bali or Phnom Penh?

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