How Much Does Yogyakarta Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Yogyakarta is an exceptionally affordable destination for nature and culture enthusiasts, offering a rare balance of ancient heritage and volcanic landscapes. A daily budget can range from a modest $14 / Rp239,976 for solo travelers to $184 / Rp3,100,001 for those seeking a luxury experience in historic colonial settings. While basic costs like food and local transport are minimal, the primary expenses often stem from international-tier entry fees for iconic sites like Borobudur and Prambanan. Visitors should prepare for a tiered pricing system where foreign nationals pay significantly more than locals for major attractions. Overall, it remains one of the most cost-effective hubs in Southeast Asia for high-quality outdoor adventures and archaeological exploration.
Is Yogyakarta expensive to visit?
Yogyakarta is highly affordable—expect to spend between $14 / Rp239,976 and $184 / Rp3,100,001 per day depending on your activity level and accommodation choice.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Yogyakarta
$14
per person /day
$77
per person /day
$184
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $42 | $231 | $551 |
| 5-Day Trip | $71 | $385 | $918 |
| 7-Day Trip | $99 | $539 | $1,284 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A buffer of 15% is recommended to cover the mandatory $30 / Rp500,032 Visa on Arrival and the various small retribution fees collected at beach entrances and parking lots. These small costs, like the $0.18 / Rp2,982 camera permit at the Sultan's Palace, can add up quickly during a busy day of sightseeing.
How Does It Compare?
See how Yogyakarta stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Yogyakarta
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Standard price for a single meal at local budget eateries known as Warungs. | $1.19 Rp20,081 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint) Price for a large local beer like Bintang in a restaurant setting. | $2.66 Rp44,933 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 liter) Price at a local supermarket or convenience store. | $0.44 Rp7,356 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) The initial flagfall rate for official metered taxis. | $0.52 Rp8,748 |
| Airport Express Train (YIA to City) The fastest way from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) to the city center (~35 mins). | $2.95 Rp49,904 |
| GrabBike Ride (Standard City Trip) The most efficient way to dodge traffic for short city hops (~$0.88 / Rp14,912). | $0.88 Rp14,912 |
| Daily Motorbike Rental Requires an international driving permit. Helmets are usually included (~$4.73 / Rp79,926). | $4.73 Rp79,926 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hostel Dorm Bed Located in the popular Prawirotaman area, popular with international travelers. | $8.87 Rp149,910 |
| Mid-range Boutique Hotel Room Eco-friendly hotel featuring an urban farm and pool in Prawirotaman. | $38 Rp649,943 |
| Luxury Colonial Hotel Room A historic landmark hotel offering colonial charm and modern luxury. | $86 Rp1,449,994 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Borobudur Temple (Climb Structure Access) Standard daytime entry for international visitors. An upper-area access add-on (~$7.06 / Rp119,292) may be required separately. The sunrise experience is a premium ticket (~$59 / Rp994,100) with limited daily quota. | $27 Rp455,099 |
| Prambanan Temple Entry Standard adult entry for non-residents to the main Hindu temple complex. | $25 Rp417,522 |
| Kraton (Sultan's Palace) Entry Access to the main palace grounds. A camera permit costs an extra ~$0.18 / Rp2,982. | $1.18 Rp19,882 |
| Mount Merapi Jeep Lava Tour One jeep fits up to 4 people. Price is per vehicle, not per person (~$27 / Rp449,930). | $27 Rp449,930 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Telkomsel Tourist SIM (25GB) Official price for tourists; requires passport registration at the airport (~$8.87 / Rp149,910). | $8.87 Rp149,910 |
Other (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Indonesia Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) Mandatory digital form for all arrivals. It is completely free of charge. | $0 Rp0 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) Standard adult price for one ticket to a blockbuster film. | $2.66 Rp44,933 |
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership Typical monthly rate for a standard adult membership. | $15 Rp249,917 |
| Indonesia Visa on Arrival (VoA) Payable at the airport or online. Valid for 30 days and extendable once (~$30 / Rp500,032). | $30 Rp500,032 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining is a major highlight for budget travelers, with basic meals at local warungs starting at just $1.19 / Rp20,081. Even at more established venues like House of Raminten or ViaVia Bakery, costs remain low, though a domestic draft beer will add roughly $2.66 / Rp44,933 to the bill.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Gudeg Pawon
$1.78–$2.95 / Rp30,022–Rp49,904Umbulharjo · Local chain
Arrive before they open at 18:00; the queue moves fast and food often sells out in 2 hours.
Gudeg Yu Djum
$1.48–$3.55 / Rp25,051–Rp60,044Malioboro · Local chain
The most famous Gudeg spot; try the dry version which is easier for visitors to enjoy.
Bakmi Jawa Kadin
$1.19–$2.37 / Rp20,081–Rp39,963Gondomanan · Local chain
Traditional Javanese noodles cooked over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
House of Raminten
$1.78–$4.14 / Rp30,022–Rp69,985Kotabaru · Local chain
Quirky decor and great Javanese atmosphere; try the Satay and Jamu drinks.
Lesehan Terang Bulan
$2.07–$4.73 / Rp34,992–Rp79,926Malioboro · Street food area
Classic 'lesehan' (sitting on mats) experience; great for people watching on Malioboro.
ViaVia Bakery
$0.88–$2.66 / Rp14,912–Rp44,933Prawirotaman · Bakery
Excellent spot for fresh bread and organic snacks for day trips.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the region is most efficient via motorbike rentals, which cost around $4.73 / Rp79,926 per day, or short GrabBike trips for approximately $0.88 / Rp14,912. For arrival, the Airport Express Train from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is a bargain at $2.95 / Rp49,904, reaching the city center in about 35 minutes.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options cater to every budget, from simple dorm beds in the Prawirotaman area for $8.87 / Rp149,910 to mid-range boutique hotels for $38 / Rp649,943. Those looking for a splurge can find luxury in colonial-era landmark hotels for around $86 / Rp1,449,994 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Yogyakarta
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Buy the Prambanan and Borobudur combo ticket to save on individual entry fees if visiting both within two days.
- 2 Use the Trans Jogja bus system for city transit; it costs significantly less than private taxis for reaching the outskirts.
- 3 Rent a motorbike for $4.73 / Rp79,926 to visit the southern beaches or Merapi, as private tours or car hires are much more expensive.
- 4 Always carry small change for the $0.18 / Rp2,982 motorbike parking fees common at Malioboro and most natural attractions.
- 5 Eat at Lesehan stalls (floor seating) along Malioboro Street in the evening for authentic, low-cost local food.
- 6 Fill water bottles at hostels or use large 1.5-liter jugs from supermarkets for $0.44 / Rp7,356 instead of buying small bottles at tourist sites.
- 7 Validate the Indonesia Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) online for free before arrival to avoid potential fees at the airport.
- 8 For the Mount Merapi Jeep Lava Tour, share the $27 / Rp449,930 vehicle cost with three other travelers to bring the per-person price down.
- 9 Avoid purchasing alcohol in restaurants to save money, as a single beer at $2.66 / Rp44,933 can cost more than two full meals.
- 10 Stay in Prawirotaman or Mantrijeron to find the best concentration of budget-friendly international cafes and tour operators.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Dec
+30-50%
Jan, Feb
-30%
May, Jun, Sep
The dry season from May to September is best for temple visits and Merapi tours. Prices spike during the domestic holiday season around Lebaran.
Events to Watch
- ● Lebaran (Idul Fitri): +100% hotels and heavy traffic
- ● Year End (Dec 24-Jan 1): +50% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walking through the historic Beringharjo Market to observe local trade and traditional spices.
- 2 Taking a photo at the Tugu Jogja monument, the city's most famous landmark.
- 3 Exploring the Alun-Alun Kidul (Southern Square) at night to see the neon-lit pedal cars.
- 4 Watching the sunset from Bukit Bintang (Starry Hill) overlooking the city lights.
- 5 Visiting the Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo sand dunes to see the unique desert-like landscape.
- 6 Walking through the street art-filled alleys of the Prawirotaman and Mantrijeron neighborhoods.
- 7 Exploring the silver-smithing district of Kota Gede to watch artisans at work in their workshops.
- 8 Viewing the Plaosan Temple from the surrounding rice paddies for a stunning, cost-free perspective.
- 9 Visiting the Gereja Ganjuran (Ganjuran Church) to see its unique Javanese-style Hindu-influenced architecture.
- 10 Wandering through the colorful 'Code River' village (Kampung Code) to see the painted houses.
- 11 Visiting the Wisdom Park at Universitas Gadjah Mada for a morning walk around the lake.
- 12 Observing the daily life and bird auctions at the PASTY Bird Market (watching is free).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Jomblang Cave Vertical Rappelling Tour
A unique vertical cave experience with 'Light of Heaven' rays; includes rappelling and a local lunch (~$30 / Rp500,032).
Ramayana Ballet VIP Ticket (Open Air Theatre)
A spectacular traditional dance performance with the floodlit Prambanan temple as a backdrop (~$27 / Rp449,930).
Batik Intensive Full-Day Workshop
Yogyakarta is the heart of Batik art; creating your own fabric piece with local masters is unforgettable (~$24 / Rp400,026).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Yogyakarta
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Yogyakarta and what they cost
Solo (Surakarta)
$0.94 / Rp15,906 by Commuter Train (KRL)
$1.48 / Rp25,051
$8.87 / Rp149,910
Mount Merapi Lava Tour
$18 / Rp300,019 by Private Car + Jeep
$27 / Rp449,930
$50 / Rp849,956
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
1 $ ≈ 16,892 Rp
Yes
Cards are standard in hotels, malls, and mid-to-high-end restaurants, but cash is essential for street food, markets, and small temple entries.
Tipping is not mandatory. Rounding up a taxi fare or leaving ~$0.59–$1.18 / Rp9,941–Rp19,882 for a guide is a kind gesture.
BCA and Mandiri ATMs are the most reliable. Many ATMs only dispense ~$71–$141 / Rp1,192,920–Rp2,385,840 worth of IDR per transaction.
Expected at Pasar Beringharjo and with becak drivers. Always settle on a price BEFORE the ride or purchase. Start at 50% and aim for 70% of the original quote.
Connectivity
eSIM: $12–$18 for 10-15GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $8.83–$12 / Rp149,115–Rp198,820 for 25GB at official stores
WiFi: Excellent in cafes and hotels; limited in public spaces and temples.
Buy a Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid SIM at the airport for the best coverage, or an eSIM for convenience if your phone supports it.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Yogyakarta.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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