A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Yogyakarta for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tartu or Yogyakarta?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Yogyakarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Tartu and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Borobudur Temple
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Tartu or Yogyakarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta than Tartu, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while Tartu is known for its impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also home to Borobudur Temple. Tartu is popular for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tartu or Yogyakarta?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Yogyakarta has many famous sights for visitors. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Tartu or Yogyakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Yogyakarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Tartu and Yogyakarta.

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

Yogyakarta offers plenty to do in the evening. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Is Tartu or Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Both Tartu and Yogyakarta have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

Tartu is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.


Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Yogyakarta?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Yogyakarta specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Yogyakarta More Beautiful?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Tartu is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tartu is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tartu or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Both Tartu and Yogyakarta are good to visit with kids.

Tartu offers lots of family activities. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.


Is Tartu or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Yogyakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

For backpackers, both Tartu and Yogyakarta are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Is Tartu or Yogyakarta Better for Students?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Tartu is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.


Is Tartu or Yogyakarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Tartu is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Tartu has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Tartu or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Tartu
Yogyakarta

Tartu is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Tartu is a very walkable university town. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable university town. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tartu Worth Visiting? and Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Tartu or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Yogyakarta.

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

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


  • How many days in Tartu or Yogyakarta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tartu 1-3 
    Yogyakarta 2-4

One day in Tartu or Yogyakarta?

With nightlife around the intellectual university town of Tartu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tartu, one day is sufficent for most.

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Tartu or Yogyakarta?

With nightlife around the destination of Tartu, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Yogyakarta?

Tartu, a popular university town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tartu or Yogyakarta?

Tartu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Yogyakarta or Tartu?

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 Tartu is €132, while the average daily cost in Yogyakarta is €54. 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 Tartu and Yogyakarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Yogyakarta 30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Yogyakarta 60
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Yogyakarta

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or Yogyakarta? 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 Tartu


Hotels in Yogyakarta


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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Yogyakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Yogyakarta 1.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

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

  • Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfers: $94
  • Semarang & Transfer To The Hotel or Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Kembanglimus to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $87
  • Yogyakarta Hidden Gems Tour with Private Guided Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer from Borobudur to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $80
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to South Rejowinangun: $76
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Borobudur: $75
  • Private Transfer from Banguntapan to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $74
  • Private Transfer from Parangtritis to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $72
  • Private Transfer from Donoharjo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $72
  • Private Transfer from Condong Catur to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Yogyakarta?

Prices for flights to both Yogyakarta and Tartu 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
    Tartu 65
    Yogyakarta 17
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

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


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

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

  • Ramayana Show with Transfer, Entry Fee & Dinner: $13
  • Night Walking & Street Food Tour: $21
  • Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Morning Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Kotagede Night Food Tour: $27
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Optional Dinner: $28
  • Yogyakarta Historical Walking and Food Tour: $29
  • Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour: $30
  • Nighttime Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Cooking Class with Market Visit and Hotel Pickup: $33
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • 3-hour Cooking Class with Market Tour: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Yogyakarta 13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

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

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $30
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $260
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beautiful Sunrise and Exotic Jomblang Cave Tour: $67
  • Exotic Jomblang Cave and Fun among the Sky Tour: $67
  • Sunrise : Punthuk Setumbu, Borobudur And Prambanan Temples Tour (PRIVATE TOUR): $121
  • "Java's Cultural Heritage: Borobudur and Prambanan Tour": $16
  • 1 Day Yogyakarta tour ( Borobudur temple, Merapi Lava Tour, Prambanan Temple): $76
  • 1 day Yogyakarta Tour Jomblang cave and Pindul Cave tubing: $72
  • 1 day tour Borobudur and Prambanan Temples : $40
  • 1 day tour borobudur temple,prambanan temple,plaosan temple: $40
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Javanese Culture - PRIVATE TOUR with GUIDE: $198
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Borobudur - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $183
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Merapi Pengger Heha - PRIVATE Tour with GUIDE: $140
  • 1-Day Yogyakarta Prambanan Breksi Ijo Temple - PRIVATE Tour with Guide: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Yogyakarta 4.07


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu and Yogyakarta, 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.