Vietnam vs Bali: which costs less?
Both normalised to a 9-day trip, one person, mid-range. On the ground, Vietnam comes out about $145 cheaper. Adding airfare does not change the ranking from any departure city we price.
Vietnam
$835$93 / day · 9 days · on the ground
A long, narrow country usually travelled north to south or south to north. Costs are low by regional standards, with internal travel distance the main budget variable.
Full Vietnam breakdown →
Bali
$980$110 / day · 9 days · on the ground
A single island, so internal transport stays low, but accommodation spans a wider range than anywhere else in the region — from $8 dorms to $400 villas within a few kilometres.
Full Bali breakdown →Daily costs, line by line
| Category | Vietnam | Bali | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $275 | $290 | Vietnam cheaper by $15 |
| Food & drink | $180 | $245 | Vietnam cheaper by $65 |
| Local transport | $55 | $110 | Vietnam cheaper by $55 |
| Activities & entry fees | $165 | $230 | Vietnam cheaper by $65 |
| Total on the ground | $835 | $980 | Vietnam by $145 |
Over 9 days, mid-range, excluding international airfare and visa.
Total cost by departure city
Airfare is the variable that decides this question for most travellers. Here is the same comparison with flights and visa included, from each city we hold fares for.
By travel style
| Style | Vietnam | Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $305 | $335 |
| Mid-range | $835 | $980 |
| Comfort | $2,060 | $2,630 |
Cheapest months, compared
Vietnam
Cheapest: May–Sep (Summer and wet)
Priciest: Jan–Feb (Tet and spring peak)
Bali
Cheapest: Jan–Apr, Nov (Wet season)
Priciest: Dec (Christmas and New Year)
Vietnam vs Bali: questions
Is Vietnam cheaper than Bali?
On the ground, Vietnam is cheaper — about $145 less for a 9-day mid-range trip. Once airfare is added the answer depends on where you start: the ranking holds from every departure city we hold fares for.
Which is cheaper to fly to?
It varies by origin. From Mumbai, Vietnam works out about $93 cheaper in total. From Delhi, Vietnam works out about $275 cheaper in total. From Bengaluru, Vietnam works out about $170 cheaper in total. From Dubai, Vietnam works out about $205 cheaper in total. From London, Vietnam works out about $375 cheaper in total. From New York, Vietnam works out about $300 cheaper in total.
Which is better value overall?
Cost is only one axis, and this page deliberately only answers the cost question. Vietnam: A long, narrow country usually travelled north to south or south to north. Costs are low by regional standards, with internal travel distance the main budget variable. Bali: A single island, so internal transport stays low, but accommodation spans a wider range than anywhere else in the region — from $8 dorms to $400 villas within a few kilometres.
Where these numbers come from
This page is not yet verified. 15 of 15 line items are reasoned estimates rather than checked prices. Treat the total as a planning range, not a quote, and confirm current prices before you book.
- Data confidence
- Estimated 0 verified · 0 sampled · 15 estimated
- Oldest figure
- October 2026
- Record last reviewed
- October 2026
- Exchange rates
- October 2026 (Static table — pending live feed)
Sources
- Placeholder estimate — not verified