Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Yogyakarta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Yogyakarta or Seoul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Yogyakarta or Seoul? 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 cultural, historical, and colorful city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yogyakarta travel costs.
Seoul
Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Seoul travel costs.
Yogyakarta and Seoul: Pros and Cons
Yogyakarta
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Home to Borobudur Temple
- Public transit not as usable
Seoul
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Seoul?
You'll generally find more things to do in Seoul than Yogyakarta. Seoul is bigger than Yogyakarta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seoul is better known for its food, music, and big city activities, while Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Seoul is well known for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. Also, Seoul is famous for Gyeongbokgung Palace.
How is Yogyakarta different from Seoul?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seoul 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 Seoul?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Yogyakarta is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Yogyakarta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Seoul? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Seoul is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
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 Seoul Better for Nightlife?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Yogyakarta and Seoul.
Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Seoul is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Is Yogyakarta or Seoul Better for Music?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Seoul is renowned for its live music scene. However, Yogyakarta is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Seoul. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.
Yogyakarta is not a live music destination.
Is Yogyakarta or Seoul Better for its Old Town?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Yogyakarta is a well-known place for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.
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.
Seoul does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Seoul?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Yogyakarta and Seoul.
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.
Seoul is a world class destination for shoppers. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.
Is Yogyakarta or Seoul Better for Families?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Seoul is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Seoul is very family-friendly. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. 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 Yogyakarta or Seoul Better for Couples?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Seoul is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
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 Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Yogyakarta is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Yogyakarta is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.
It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
Is Yogyakarta or Seoul Better for Students?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Seoul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.
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 Seoul Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Seoul is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.
Seoul has a great public transit system. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
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 Seoul a more walkable city?
Yogyakarta
Seoul
Seoul 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.
Seoul is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.
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 Seoul Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Seoul or Yogyakarta?
How long in Yogyakarta or Seoul?
Both Yogyakarta and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Yogyakarta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Yogyakarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Yogyakarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Seoul 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 Yogyakarta.
-
How many days in Yogyakarta or Seoul? Ideal Length of StayYogyakarta 2-4Seoul 3-7
One day in Yogyakarta or Seoul?
In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this youthful 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.
When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Yogyakarta or Seoul?
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.
When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
Five days in Yogyakarta or Seoul?
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.
Seoul, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. 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 Seoul?
You'll find food and shopping around the colorful 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.
Seoul 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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
-
Yogyakarta Prices
Indonesia PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYogyakarta $64Seoul $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $64, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $128. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYogyakarta $35Seoul $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYogyakarta $70Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Seoul? 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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yogyakarta $1.28Seoul $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta
Also for Yogyakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Airport Yogyakarta (JOG) to All City Destination: $7.00
- Yogyakarta Airport: Private Transfer To/ From The Hotels: $12
- YIA Airport Private Transfer: $12
- Indonesia: Yogyakarta Airport Transfer: $14
- From Roundtrip Transfer to Borobudur Temple: $15
- Private Airport Transfer YIA: $22
- Private Transfer Airport Jogyakarta ( Adisucipto ): $25
- Borobudur 5-hour Tour with Climb-up & Transfers: $25
- Borobudur ClimbUP Afternoon Guided and transfer: $26
- Yogyakarta Airport Transfer (For 1-4 person): $27
- Yogyakarta Airport Transfer ( Private Service ): $28
- Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport YIA To City Center: $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.58
-
Short Taxi Ride$5.01
-
Metro Ride$0.97
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- [Cherry blossom]Gyeongju Tour from SEOUL transfer to BUSAN: $101
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $164
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $90
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Seoul Incheon Airport ICN to Seoul - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $60
- Private transfer from Seoul hotel to Seoul Station and so on: $132
- Private Transfer from Seoul to Incheon Cruise Terminal(12 pax): $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 dayYogyakarta $19Seoul $51
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 Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
-
Waffle$0.72
-
Dippin' Dots$1.43
-
Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
-
Chicken Stick$1.43
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
-
Lunch Buffet$4.30
-
Donut$0.72
-
Mushroom Burger$3.72
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
-
Udon & Sushi$5.01
-
Fresh Burger$3.44
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
-
Fried Rice$3.94
-
Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
-
Donut$1.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yogyakarta $15Seoul $26
Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta
For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Chicken Church at Karangrejo Village Admission Ticket: $1.84
- Obelix Hills Entry Ticket: $2.18
- Java Puppets Museum Admission Ticket: $2.50
- YOGYAKARTA CITY TOUR,SULTAN PALACE,WATER CASTLE AND CRAFTS.: $6.23
- Half Day Keraton and Taman Sari Tour: $10
- Prambanan Temple Afternoon Tour: $12
- Prambanan Temple: Half-Day Guided Tour From Yogyakarta: $14
- Jomblang Cave & Pindul Cave Adventur Tour: $15
- Borobudur(Guarantee Climb up) Shared Guide Tour: $15
- Jomblang Cave and Pindul Cave Tour with Lunch: $15
- Yogayakarta : Jomblang Cave and Pindul Cave Tour: $15
- Borobudur and Prambanan Temple Tour: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.73
-
Movie Ticket$5.73
-
Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- DMZ, Eunpyeong village and Jinkwansa Temple Private Tour : $212
- Private Garden of Morning Calm Experience: $267
- Private Tour Nami Island & Morning Calm Garden: $256
- Seoul National Museum Walking Tour Experience: $35
- (Closed) Korea’s White House Walking Tour Blue House: $148
- (Small Group) Art and Architecture tour of Seoul: $121
- 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
- 2 Hours Seoul Private Walking Tour Including Pick up: $59
- 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul: $29
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $30
- Aegibong DMZ and Eunpyeong Hanok Village One Day Tour from Seoul: $51
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayYogyakarta $4.74Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Seoul, 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.