A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nakhon Ratchasima vs. Malang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Malang?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Malang, 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: Nakhon Ratchasima or Malang?

Nakhon Ratchasima

If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.

Malang

Malang is a city in East Java, Indonesia. It's a cultured city with several important universities, and is home to a large student population. Prized by the Dutch for its mild highland climate, the city retains much of its colonial architecture. Established by the Dutch in the closing decades of the 18th century, Malang earned its first fortunes from coffee, which flourished on the surrounding hillsides. Today, the city's colonial grandeur is quickly disappearing behind the homogenous facades of more modern developments, but there's still much to admire. The Balai Kota building blends Indonesian and Dutch styles, and grand mansions line the main boulevard, Jalan Besar Ijen. To the east is Mt. Bromo, a volcano with hiking trails. The central area is not too large and quite walkable. And with a number of Hindu temples and sights outside the city, Malang makes an ideal base to explore this intriguing corner of east Java.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Malang or Nakhon Ratchasima?

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 Nakhon Ratchasima is $58, while the average daily cost in Malang 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Malang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nakhon Ratchasima $22
    Malang $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nakhon Ratchasima $44
    Malang $86
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Malang

Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Malang? 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 Nakhon Ratchasima


Hotels in Malang


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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices and Malang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19
    Malang $1.36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

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


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.57
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malang:

  • Yogyakarta ;Transfer Service From Yogyakarta to Bromo/Malang: $109
  • Private Transfer - Malang To Surabaya International Airport: $38
  • FROM YOGYAKARTA TRANSFER TO BROMO/SURABAYA/MALANG CITY.: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Malang?

Prices for flights to both Malang and Nakhon Ratchasima 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
    Nakhon Ratchasima $30
    Malang $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malang

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

  • Malang Cooking Class by Mam Warti: $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68
    Malang $8.53

Tours and Activities in Malang

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

  • 1 Day - Bromo Afternoon Siesta Tour start MALANG or SURABAYA // 11:00 - 18:00: $80
  • 1 Day - Tumpak Sewu, Kapas Biru Waterfall, Goa Tetes cave* Tour // 07:30 - 17:00: $75
  • 1 Day - ULTIMATE TOUR Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Goa Tetes cave // 07:30 - 17:30: $52
  • 1 Day Amazing Bromo Sunrise tour from Malang Surabaya 7 spots: $41
  • 1 Day Mount Bromo Sharing Tour Package from Malang: $34
  • 1Day - Bromo Non Sunrise Tour via Malang (to avoid crowd): $79
  • 1Day - Bromo Sunrise Tour via Malang (Sharing or Private Jeep): $39
  • 1Day - Malang Cycling Village Tour: $60
  • 2 Days - Bromo Ijen Bali Ultimate Tour // D1 01.00 - D2 14.00: $175
  • 2 Days Shared Tour from Malang to Mount Bromo and Ijen: $104
  • 2-Day Tour: Mount Bromo & Tumpak Sewu from Malang or Surabaya: $164
  • 2Days - Bromo Sunrise Ijen Adventure via Malang: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $12
    Malang -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 746720 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Malang, 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.