Surabayais 26% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (60/10) vs Jakarta "Great Deal" (80/10). Dorms avg $6/night vs $6/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇮🇩 Jakarta
🇮🇩 Surabaya
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 7.3 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $17/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.33, dorms avg $6
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $3.05, 15 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
24 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇮🇩 Jakarta | 🇮🇩 Surabaya | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $15 | $11 cheaper | $4/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $28 | $23 cheaper | $5/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $49 | $42 cheaper | $7/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇮🇩 Jakarta | 🇮🇩 Surabaya |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $2.95 | $1.47 50% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $8.95 | $5.89 34% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.05 | $2.65 13% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.33 | $1.58 32% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.21 49% less | $0.41 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇮🇩▼
Jakarta
Indonesia
80
BDI: Great Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $6/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Stable year-round pricing. Plenty to see (24 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelTuju Arteri Pods (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$6/night
Total hostels15
🇮🇩▼
Surabaya
Indonesia
60
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $6/night). Strong hostel scene (14 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelIkiru to Live (9.0)
Annual dorm avg$6/night
Total hostels14
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇮🇩 Jakarta
🇮🇩 Surabaya
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Jakarta & Surabaya
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇮🇩 Jakarta
30°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 228mm/month
Best months: Jul, Aug
🇮🇩 Surabaya
No weather data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Jakarta or Surabaya cheaper for backpackers?+
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