Surabayais 4% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (60/10) vs Medan "Fair" (51/10). Dorms avg $9/night vs $6/night.
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇮🇩 Medan | 🇮🇩 Surabaya | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $11 | $11 cheaper | $0/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $20 cheaper | $23 | $2/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $36 cheaper | $42 | $6/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇮🇩 Medan | 🇮🇩 Surabaya |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $1.77 | $1.47 17% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $4.42 25% less | $5.89 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.77 33% less | $2.65 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.59 | $1.58 1% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.29 29% less | $0.41 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇮🇩▼
Medan
Indonesia
51
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelDazhong Backpacker's Hostel (8.9)
Annual dorm avg$9/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
🇮🇩 Medan
🇮🇩 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 Medan & Surabaya
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Medan or Surabaya cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Medan vs Surabaya?+
Do I need a visa for Medan or Surabaya?+
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