A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Jakarta or Rome?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jakarta and Rome. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a genuine, sprawling, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jakarta travel costs.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come to Rome because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping. See Rome travel costs.

Jakarta and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Jakarta or Rome?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rome than Jakarta. While Jakarta is larger than Rome, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is more touristy than Jakarta and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Jakarta different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Rome?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Rome from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.


Is the Food Better in Jakarta or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Jakarta or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Rome is a must-see party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Jakarta or Rome Better for Music?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for live music. However, Jakarta is not a live music destination.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Jakarta is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Rome?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for shopping. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Is Jakarta or Rome More Beautiful?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Rome because of it's amazing beauty. With its many beautiful landmarks and impressive architecture, this city has a lot of attractive places to visit. Don't miss Villa Borghese Park, Trastevere, Palazzo Madama, the Appian Way, and Piazza Navona.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Rome Better for Families?

Jakarta
Rome

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

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.


Is Jakarta or Rome Better for Couples?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is a great city for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Jakarta or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

Is Jakarta or Rome Better for Students?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Jakarta is not popular with students.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Jakarta is not popular with students.


Is Jakarta or Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Rome can take you anywhere. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Jakarta or Rome a more walkable city?

Jakarta
Rome

Rome is terrific for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Rome?

Both Jakarta and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Jakarta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Jakarta 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 Rome.


  • How many days in Jakarta or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jakarta 1-3 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Jakarta or Rome?

Jakarta is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Rome, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Jakarta or Rome?

Jakarta 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.

In Rome, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Jakarta or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly big city of Jakarta. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Jakarta or Rome?

The diverse city of Jakarta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. In Rome, you'll find live music and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome or Jakarta?

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 Jakarta is $73, while the average daily cost in Rome is $243. 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 Jakarta and Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jakarta $32
    Rome $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jakarta $64
    Rome $212
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Jakarta or Rome? 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 Jakarta


Hotels in Rome


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: Jakarta Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jakarta $20
    Rome $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $1.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Jakarta Soekarno - Hatta ( Private Transfer ): $18
  • Airport Private Transfer Jakarta, Best Price: $19
  • Airport Transfer: $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta ( Private Car ): $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta - Bogor: $27
  • All-inclusive Private Jakarta Airport Transfer : $20
  • BEST PRICE Private Airport Transfer per CAR with Tax & Insurance (Oneway): $30
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK: $113
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Bandung/Lembang Arrival Transfer: $72
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Cipanas - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer for Small/Big Group: $28
  • Jakarta Airport Transfers : Jakarta City to Jakarta Airport CGK in Business Van: $113

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.35
  • Train to the Airport
    $18
  • Taxi to Airport
    $53
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Transfer from Rome Hotel to Civitavecchia Cruise Port and vice versa: $299
  • Private transfer with Luxury Car from/to Civitavecchia harbour: $299
  • Transfer services from airports to rome for up to 4 persons: $299
  • Transfer from Civitavecchia 4 people: $299
  • Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Saturnia - Arrival Private Transfer: $293
  • Transfer Fiumicino airport - Civitavecchia port or vice versa: $293
  • Rome Airport Transfer & Pompeii Tour to Amalfi/Ravello Viceversa: $290
  • From Fiumicino to Orvieto Transfer: $274
  • Private transfer from Roma to Civitavecchia port: $274
  • Private Transfer from Rome to Sperlonga or Gaeta: $269
  • Rome Private Sightseeing and Catacombs Underground Group Tour with Transfer: $268
  • Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $268

Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome and Jakarta 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
    Jakarta $28
    Rome $98
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.62
  • Dinner
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Tour with Dinner at Café or Food street: $55
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • Halfday Batavia by Night with dinner at Cafe Batavia & souvenir: $120
  • Jakarta Private Cooking Class and Experience Tour: $120

Typical Food Prices in Rome

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $16
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.51
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.69
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $3.11
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $37
  • Cheese and bread
    $12
  • Espresso
    $2.35
  • Dinner
    $68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
  • Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $35
  • Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $35
  • Vatican Street Food Tour around the Biggest Fresh Market in Rome: $35
  • Street Food tour : Eat like a real local: $40
  • Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $42
  • Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $47
  • Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $52
  • Trastevere Ultimate Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $52
  • Trastevere & Campo de' Fiori Street Food Tour, Eat Like a Local: $53
  • Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jakarta $12
    Rome $42

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.

  • Jakarta City Center: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Watercolor & Wellness : A Healing Art Therapy Experience: $29
  • Jakarta Culture and History Walking Tour: $33
  • Jakarta Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide : $37
  • Jakarta Walking Tour with Public Transportation Visiting Sites: $45
  • Jakarta Half Day Visit The Monument with Highlight City Tour: $45
  • Jakarta Half Day Shared Guided Tour Visit Monument and Old Town: $49
  • Pasar Baru Foodie Tour: $49
  • Experience Jakarta Street Food Scene with MRT Transportation: $50
  • Jakarta Half-Day Highlights Tour: $50
  • Half Day Jakarta Private Tour in two highlight place: $50
  • 4 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Tourist Attractions): $55

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $81
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $39
  • Roma Pass
    $35
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $23
  • Segway Tour
    $88

Tours and Activities in Rome

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

  • Appian Way and Aqueducts Electric Bike Tour: $90
  • Baths of Caracalla Guided Tour -Private or Shared: $130
  • Best of Rome by Night Private Sightseeing Chauffeured Tour: $227
  • Discover The Churches of Rome guided tour: $178
  • Evening Tour of the City’s Most Iconic Sights - Up To 6 People: $190
  • Golf Cart Small-Group Guided Tour: Rome City Highlights: $104
  • Golf Cart Tour of 3h with local guide and gelato: $215
  • Guided Group Walking Tour of Rome Top Sights: $47
  • Guided Tour of Rome's Churches and Art: $209
  • Guided tour in Chinese between Vatican Museums + St. Peter's Basilica: $154
  • Hidden Gems & Rome Catacomb Semi Private Tour by golf cart: $108
  • Last Hour Guided Tour To Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jakarta $4.06
    Rome $21

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.63
  • Pint of Beer
    $7.44
  • Beer
    $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $33
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $35
  • Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $39
  • Tour of Rome with wine tasting: $54
  • Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $54
  • Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $59
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $60
  • Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $60
  • EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL - Wine Tasting in Trastevere w/ Gelato: $72
  • Wine Tour in Romes Historic center: $82
  • Devour Rome Food & Wine Tour of Trastevere: $84
  • The greatest wine tour of Rome: $84


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Jakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jakarta is in Asia and Rome is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Jakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jakarta 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome than you might in Jakarta.

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


Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Rome?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rome. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Rome, 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.