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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Florence?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Florence? 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. Florence is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Florence travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Florence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Borobudur Temple
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular for students
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)


Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Florence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Yogyakarta. While Yogyakarta is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is better known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Yogyakarta is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Florence is more touristy than Yogyakarta and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Yogyakarta is well known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows.

How is Yogyakarta different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Yogyakarta
Florence

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Yogyakarta and Florence.

The museums and tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Florence on the map. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.


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

Yogyakarta
Florence

Florence is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean and cabbage soup. You'll also find all of your favorite Italian staples and many great family-owned trattorie.

Dining out in Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta
Florence

Yogyakarta is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Yogyakarta has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Yogyakarta or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta
Florence

Florence is renowned for its old town. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

There is a nice variety of sights 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 Yogyakarta or Florence?

Yogyakarta
Florence

Yogyakarta is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Yogyakarta or Florence More Beautiful?

Yogyakarta
Florence

Florence is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Florence is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's beautiful architecture and impressive gardens make it among the most beautiful cities in the world.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Florence Better for Families?

Yogyakarta
Florence

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Florence.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Florence. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.


Is Yogyakarta or Florence Better for Couples?

Yogyakarta
Florence

Florence is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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.

Is Yogyakarta or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta
Florence

Florence is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Florence is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Yogyakarta is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Yogyakarta or Florence Better for Students?

Yogyakarta
Florence

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

Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

Yogyakarta
Florence

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

Florence has some public transit options. The city has a comprehensive bus system.

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 Yogyakarta or Florence a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta
Florence

Florence is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot and the striking beauty and and pedestrian-friendly areas make it a great place to wander. During peak seasons, the streets can get crowded.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Florence?

Both Yogyakarta and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Yogyakarta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Yogyakarta 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 Florence.


  • How many days in Yogyakarta or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yogyakarta 2-4 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Yogyakarta or Florence?

The city of Yogyakarta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the artistic city of Florence, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Yogyakarta or Florence?

Yogyakarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yogyakarta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Florence, 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 city.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Florence?

Yogyakarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Florence?

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Florence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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


Which place is cheaper, Florence or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta is $64, while the average daily cost in Florence is $211. 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 Yogyakarta and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $35
    Florence $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $70
    Florence $204
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Florence? 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 Yogyakarta


Hotels in Florence


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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.28
    Florence $26

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 Borobudur: $75
  • Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $71
  • Private Transfer from Donoharjo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Sinduadi: $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Condong Catur: $71
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Banyuraden: $71

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

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


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    $9.39
  • Taxi from Airport
    $29
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    $35
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    $5.87
  • Bus From Airport
    $5.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • Transfer: Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence City Center: $87
  • Transfer from Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $69
  • Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet: $155
  • Taste of Tuscany San Gimignano Winery with Transfer from Florence: $227
  • Private transfer from Florence to Massa with private driver: $281
  • Private transfer Florence Peretola Airport from or to Siena City : $223
  • Private transfer Florence Peretola Airport from or to Pisa City: $271
  • Private transfer Florence Airport / Hotel Florence: $143
  • Private direct transfer:Florence to Pisa, English speaking driver: $179
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence (hotel OR airport pick-up): $117
  • Private Transfer from Scandicci to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $104
  • Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence and Yogyakarta 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
    Yogyakarta $19
    Florence $73

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

Typical Food Prices in Florence

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    $7.63
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

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

  • Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing: $35
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Food Tour of Traditional Eateries and Wine Pairings: $36
  • Pasta Making Class with Dinner and Wine in Florence: $47
  • Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence: $48
  • Florence's Food Tour with Authentic Local Tastigs and Sightseeing: $50
  • Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $50
  • Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide: $50
  • Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class in the heart of Florence: $51
  • Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $53
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $54
  • Cooking Class in Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Making Unlimited Wine: $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $15
    Florence $35

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
  • "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 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
  • 1Day Borobudur (Upper Level) and Prambanan Private Guided Tour: $149
  • 2 Days Tour to Mount Merbabu from Yogyakarta : $280
  • 2-Day Borobudur Tour with Merbabu Camping and Hiking: $332

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

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


  • Admission to Uffizi
    $13
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    $4.69
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    $117
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    $23
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    $7.04
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    $8.21

Tours and Activities in Florence

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

  • Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $75
  • Exclusive Small Group Tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence: $78
  • Florence Palazzo Vecchio Skip the Line Ticket and Audio Guide: $27
  • Medici Walking Tour -Small Group : $35
  • Uffizi & Accademia Highlights: Skip The Line Combo Guided Tour: $119
  • "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $215
  • 1-Hour Golf Cart Private Tour through the Center of Florence: $54
  • 2-Hours Walking Tour in Florence: $179
  • 3-Hour Private Florence Walking Tour: $203
  • 3-Hour Private Food and Wine Experience in Montalcino: $144
  • 4 Wines Tasting with 2 Tuscan Cheeses & Tour at the winery: $41
  • A Food Lover Tour in Florence: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.74
    Florence $22

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    $4.93
  • Bottle of Wine
    $8.80

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Florence Wine Tasting at Ponte Vecchio with Sommelier: $4.78
  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $18
  • Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $24
  • Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $25
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $27
  • Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $30
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $36
  • Wine Tasting in an Authentic Tuscan Cellar in Radda in Chianti: $38
  • Chianti Half Day Wine Tour from Florence: $42
  • Montefioralle Winery - Tour and Wine Tasting in Chianti: $42
  • Wine Tasting of Brunello with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese: $47
  • Winery tour & wine tasting in Montalcino: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yogyakarta is in Asia and Florence 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 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Yogyakarta Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Florence?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Florence, 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.