10 Most Budget-Friendly Asian Cities to Explore Right Now

At first glance, traveling to Asia might seem pricey, with some flights costing twice as much as those to Europe. However, just like any other travel destination, there are great deals to be found — if you know where to search. According to Kayak, flights to Asia are currently nine percent cheaper than last year. For even more savings, Kayla Inserra DeLoache, a consumer travel trends expert at Kayak, suggests planning your trip during the shoulder season this fall (October-November) to save up to 12 percent on flights and popular city hotels compared to the peak season (May-July).

Kayak collaborated with Dinogo to analyze data and reveal the most affordable destinations in Asia. To compile their list of the 10 cheapest cities in Asia, they examined searches on Kayak from January to June 2024 for trips to Asia between June and December 2024. They combined the average round-trip economy airfare with the typical nightly rate for a standard double hotel room to identify the top 10 budget-friendly Asian cities for travelers today.

Taipei City, Taiwan

Average total cost for a round-trip flight plus one night at a hotel: $1,411

If the allure of Taiwan’s beef noodle soup and pineapple cake has you tempted, now is the perfect time to make your reservation. According to Kayak, for travel between June and December 2024, Taipei City ranks as the most affordable destination in Asia based on flight and hotel costs.

You can discover highly rated hotels for under $100 per night; many recent travelers to Taipei on Reddit have shared that they found comfortable, yet simple hotel rooms for as low as $45 a night. Plus, there’s an abundance of delicious street food options, including xiao long bao (Chinese steamed dumplings), bubble tea, and mango shaved ice. The city’s numerous night markets offer excellent opportunities for affordable meals and unique souvenirs. 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Average total cost: $1,452

“Vietnam Airlines now offers direct flights from San Francisco to Saigon, which can be a fantastic deal,” shared Ethan Crowley, a trip planner at Asia Desk. The price for booking this flight directly with Vietnam Airlines starts at just $660 for a round trip, making it one of the few direct nonstop flights from Southeast Asia to North America. Alongside these affordable flights, Crowley highlights that food and accommodation in Vietnam are also budget-friendly, suggesting that it may be “the lowest-cost country for travelers” in all of Southeast Asia.

Jakarta, Indonesia

Average total cost: $1,478

While the Indonesian island of Bali often steals the spotlight, its neighboring island of Java offers a much more budget-friendly experience. Java is home to the country's sprawling capital, which provides every amenity you can think of—at a fraction of the cost. 

According to Jarrod Hobson, a travel specialist with ATJ and a T+L A-List travel advisor, in terms of value, “I’d say Indonesia and Vietnam offer the best deals. Hotel prices seem to be set to attract more visitors post-Covid.”

Services such as manicures, massages, and haircuts are often of high quality yet much cheaper than what you would pay at home. 

New Delhi, India

Average total cost: $1,490

There are numerous direct flights from major U.S. cities like NYC, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., to New Delhi, making travel not only more convenient but also budget-friendly. Additionally, you can find basic yet clean hotel accommodations starting at just $15 per night. As a helpful tip, Hobson advises exchanging money at hotels rather than at the airport once you arrive.

Bangkok, Thailand

Average total cost: $1,493

Once celebrated as the budget-friendly gem of Southeast Asia, Bangkok has seen a rise in prices due to its growing popularity. Nevertheless, it remains one of the more affordable destinations in Asia, thanks to numerous direct flights from the U.S. and a variety of local flights connecting to nearby countries like Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

If you're open to spending a bit more, you can enjoy a luxurious experience without completely exceeding your budget. Crowley mentions that the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, one of the original hotels in the prestigious chain, offers great value compared to similar accommodations worldwide.

Manila, Philippines

Average total cost: $1,495

Manila, the vibrant coastal capital of the Philippines, ranks No. 6 in Kayak’s affordability list, largely due to its budget-friendly flight options. In October 2023, United Airlines made history as the first U.S. airline to offer direct flights to Manila from the U.S., starting with a route from San Francisco. Additionally, the city boasts numerous budget hotels, many of which charge $20 a night or less.

Tokyo, Japan

Average total cost: $1,499

While Japan is generally pricier than its Southeast Asian neighbors, Tokyo offers a vast array of accommodation options, including basic hotels starting just above $25 per night. With two major international airports and numerous flight choices, airfare can also be quite reasonable. By securing an affordable flight and budget lodging, you can enjoy delicious, low-cost meals from convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson. Moreover, the current exchange rate of the Japanese yen is favorable for U.S. travelers.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Average total cost: $1,505

Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as “KL,” is a paradise for food lovers, featuring mamaks—small stalls where you can savor delicious local dishes without breaking the bank. Popular options include Hakka beef noodles and chili pan mee, which are noodles topped with pork, egg, and chili. The city is well-connected with direct flights from the U.S. and offers numerous hotels for $20 a night or even less.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Average total cost: $1,546

Vietnam is one of the two countries featured twice on this list, a testament to its appeal for seasoned travelers exploring Asia.

According to Crowley, 'Vietnam offers an incredible blend of affordable food, great hotel options, and efficient transportation. Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly accommodations or luxury stays, prices here are generally lower than in neighboring countries. The domestic business-class flights provide excellent value, enhancing the travel experience in busy airports, while even economy tickets are significantly cheaper compared to similar routes in the U.S. Moreover, Vietnam's street food remains some of the most economical in the region.'

Osaka, Japan

Average total cost: $1,567

While Japanese cuisine is popular worldwide, Osaka is often hailed as the epicenter of Japan's food culture. The city excels in street food offerings, featuring beloved dishes like mitarashi-dango (grilled sticky rice dumplings glazed with soy), takoyaki (fried octopus balls with ginger and onion), and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake made with egg, meat, seafood, and cabbage). Additionally, Osaka is served by two airports and is easily accessible from Tokyo via a 2.5-hour bullet train.