Which place is cheaper, Ubud or Mandalay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Mandalay or Ubud?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Ubud, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Mandalay or Ubud?
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
Ubud
Made popular by the film Eat Pray Love, Ubud is located in the uplands of Bali, Indonesia. Beautiful Hindu temples and iconic rice fields are the sight to see in this popular cultural, artistic and religious hub on the island.
Though Ubud is hot and humid during the day, it is still cooler than coastal areas. Still, temperatures linger between mid-70's and low 90's year-round, so it is likely you'll experience warm weather, regardless of when you visit.
Ubud's wet season is from November to June, which makes it an unpopular time for travelers. January and February are when Ubud experiences the heaviest rainfall, so it may be wise to avoid visiting at this time, especially since weather will limit activities, bring out insects, and cause landslides and possible flooding.
Dry season runs from July through October, which is high season for travel. Even during dry season, Ubud is extremely humid, so pack lightweight clothing that breathes and lots of sunblock.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.
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Mandalay Prices
Myanmar PricesUbud Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $19Ubud $153
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $19, while the average daily cost in Ubud is $153. 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 Mandalay and Ubud in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Ubud $128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Ubud $256
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Ubud
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay or Ubud? 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: Ubud Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mandalay -Ubud $1.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- 2 Days in Mandalay Region, 3 Night in Monywa and 4 Days to transfer Bagan: $260
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $200
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Mandalay Airport Private Transfer : $55
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:
- Bali Airport Private Hotel Transfer : $15
- Eco Friendly Premium Electric Vehicle Airport Transfers : $6.76
- 240 Minutes Romantic Healing Spa Treatment - Free Transfer: $115
- A1 Airport Transfer Service - Ubud/Tanah Lot/Uluwatu/Ungasan Area: $24
- A1 Airport Transfer Service Nusadua/Sanur/Canggu Area: $19
- ATV Quad Bike Track Tunnel & Waterfall Includes Private Transfer: $79
- ATV Quad Bike and Rafting with Private Transfer, Lunch: $76
- Actively enjoy marine sports / Seawalker + Selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $171
- Airport Transfer to Nusa Dua: $40
- Airport Transfer to Seminyak: $40
- Airport Transfer to Ubud: $25
- Airport transfer to seminyak/ kuta: $10
Is it cheaper to fly into Mandalay or Ubud?
Prices for flights to both Ubud and Mandalay 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
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Food Meals for one dayMandalay $10Ubud $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.
- Ubud Mystic Dinner at Oracle of Spice Lemuria The Lost City: $17
- Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
- Cooking Class and Dinner in Traditional House by Food Lover Tour: $25
- Ubud Cooking Class by Lemon Grass Cooking Class: $26
- Afternoon Cooking Class & Making Bali Offering with Dinner: $29
- Uluwatu Sunset Trip with Kecak Dance Show and Jimbaran Dinner: $30
- Amazing Half-Day Uluwatu Sunset Tour with Jimbaran Seafood Dinner: $30
- Be a real Balinese with Traditional Balinese Cooking Class: $30
- Private Traditional Bali Cooking Class in Sidemen: $31
- Cultural Evening Dinner: $31
- Uluwatu Sunset Experience: Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $34
- Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mandalay -Ubud $9.84
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Private Full-Day Mandalay Heritage Charter Car Tour: $45
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $45
- Mandalay Bike 'n Bite Tour: $46
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $53
- Mandalay Full-Day Tour: $60
- Full day Adventure Trip in Mandalay & Amarapura : $61
- Adventure to Dee Dote Waterfalls from Mandalay: $63
- Mandalay Fullday Sightseeing: $65
- Day Tour Of Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura: $75
- Amarapura,Sagaing,Innwa Sightseeing Tour: $75
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing : $75
Tours and Activities in Ubud
Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mangrove Tour at Nusa Lembongan : Kayak, Paddle and Boat: $8.00
- Batur Natural Hot Springs Entrance Ticket - Swim: $8.81
- One Way Ticket Fast Boat from Sanur Bali and Nusa Penida : $8.92
- Bali Tour Customized with Private Tour Driver: $9.00
- ATV Adventure with Private Tracks and Guide in Ubud: $9.18
- Hike and Heal Mount Batur Sunrise Tour with Hot Springs Add On: $9.18
- Full-Day Private North Bali Tour with Free WiFi: $9.32
- Self-Guided Tour in Bali's Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Complex: $9.99
- Sea to Summit Trekking Adventure on Mount Agung: $10
- 1 Hour Mangrove Tour From Lembongan with Kayak, Paddle, or Boat: $11
- Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling with optional Tours and Activity: $12
- Trans Studio Bali Admission Ticket: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMandalay -Ubud $6.62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Ubud, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud than you might in Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandalay Expensive? and Is Ubud Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Ubud?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay and Ubud, 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.