Which place is cheaper, Surabaya or Jaisalmer?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jaisalmer or Surabaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Jaisalmer or Surabaya? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Jaisalmer or Surabaya?
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
Surabaya
Surabaya, also known as the "city of heroes," is the capital of East Java and the second largest city in Indonesia, following Jakarta. While it doesn't highlight as many typical tourist monuments as other cities, Surabaya serves as a takeoff point or a landing base for travelers visiting Mount Bromo and Bali.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.
-
Jaisalmer Prices
India PricesSurabaya Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $44Surabaya $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $44, while the average daily cost in Surabaya is $76. 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 Jaisalmer and Surabaya in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $13Surabaya $36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $26Surabaya $72
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Surabaya
Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer or Surabaya? 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.
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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Surabaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $11Surabaya $2.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $55
- Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $50
- Jaiselmer to any Bikaner Hotels drops Private transfers: $29
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $42
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $11
- Private One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $12
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $13
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $13
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surabaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Surabaya:
- Private Transfer from Yogyakarta to Bromo: $234
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Cemoro Lawang: $223
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Podokoyo: $218
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Samaan: $218
- Private Transfer from Batu to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $178
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Batu: $178
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Bangkalan: $142
- Private Transfer from Bangkalan to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $142
- Private Transfer from Gempol to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $54
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Gempol: $54
- Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Sidoarjo: $52
- Private Transfer from Gresik to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Surabaya?
Prices for flights to both Surabaya and Jaisalmer 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 dayJaisalmer $22Surabaya $37
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
-
Dinner$4.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $29
- Half day, non touristic sand dune ,camel safari with dinner : $29
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $30
- Half-Day Camel Tour with Dinner: $34
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $36
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Camel Safari Campfire Dinner and Stargazing : $40
- Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $42
- Half-Day Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $45
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $12Surabaya $4.56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.41
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- City Sightseeing with Experienced Guide: $3.16
- Agra: Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour w/Fatehpur Sikri: $4.50
- Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $5.78
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Fort Private Tour: $7.00
- Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $11
- Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $11
- Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $11
- 5.5 Hour City Walking Tour with a Guide: $12
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer Guided Walking Tour: $12
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer- Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Vibrant Markets of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $14
- Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $14
Tours and Activities in Surabaya
Here are a few actual costs in Surabaya for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Bromo Private Day Tour with Madakaripura Waterfall: $131
- 1 Day Tour, Wonderful Mount Bromo Sunrise From Surabaya or Malang: $136
- 1 days Majapahit temple history tour: $100
- 1Day - Bromo Madakaripura Day Tour: $128
- 2Days - Bromo Family Tour via Surabaya: $163
- 2Days - Bromo Madakaripura Adventure via Surabaya or Malang: $155
- 2Days - Bromo Sunrise Ijen Tour via Surabaya: $199
- 2Days/1Night Bromo Private Tour with Hotel: $189
- 3-Day Tour: Mount Bromo & Ijen Crater from Surabaya or Malang: $264
- 3D2N Mount Bromo & Ijen Crater Tour from Surabaya: $289
- 3Days - Adventure Bromo Ijen via Surabaya: $245
- 3Days - Adventure Bromo Ijen via Surabaya or Malang: $275
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $8.76Surabaya -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaisalmer and Surabaya, we can see that Surabaya is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Surabaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surabaya than you might in Jaisalmer.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Surabaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Surabaya?
Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer and Surabaya, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.