These cities all have an advantage when trying to attract visitors from Europe and North America – amazing affordability.

For aspiring travellers in Europe and North America, trips to Asia might initially seem expensive, with some flights costing double the fare to Europe. However, with a little research, affordable travel can be found. In fact, flights to Asia are currently nine percent cheaper than they were a year ago, according to Kayak, one of the internet’s most popular online travel agents (OTA). For even greater savings, Kayla Inserra DeLoache, Kayak’s consumer travel trends expert, advises travelers to plan trips during the shoulder season (October-November). She says you can save up to 12 percent on flights and hotels compared to the peak season (May-July).

Kayak, in an effort with Travel + Leisure, considered several data-driven metrics to determine the most affordable Asian destinations. To determine the 10 most affordable cities in Asia, Kayak analyzed searches made between January and June 2024 for travel between June and December 2024. They combined the average round-trip economy airfare with the cost of a one-night stay in a standard double hotel room to compile the list. Prices noted are in US dollars, and most airfare is priced from the American West Coast, as near as we could tell.

The takeaway for residents of Malaysia is two-fold – one, with much lower airfares available, and travelling time vastly lower, some of Asia’s most alluring destinations are easy escapes for us; and two, all of these cities, including our own Kuala Lumpur, should be touting their great value-for-money appeal in a bid to attract more visitors.

Taipei City, Taiwan

Average total cost (flight + hotel): $1,411

For those craving Taiwan’s famed beef noodle soup and pineapple cake, now is an ideal time to visit Taipei City. Kayak reports that from June to December 2024, Taipei is the most affordable city in Asia based on combined flight and hotel prices. Highly rated hotels are available for under $100 per night, and some recent travelers have even found simple but pleasant rooms for around $45 a night. Taipei is known for its vibrant night markets, offering inexpensive street food such as xiao long bao (steamed dumplings), bubble tea, and mango shaved ice.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Average total cost: $1,452

Ethan Crowley, a trip planner with Asia Desk, highlights that Vietnam Airlines now offers direct flights from San Francisco to Saigon, often at great prices. These flights start as low as $660 round trip, making them among the only direct nonstop routes between Southeast Asia and North America. In addition to affordable flights, Vietnam’s overall cost for food and lodging is very budget-friendly. Crowley believes Vietnam is possibly “the lowest-cost country for travelers” across Southeast Asia.

Jakarta, Indonesia

Average total cost: $1,478

While Bali may draw more attention, the Indonesian island of Java, home to the capital city of Jakarta, is significantly more affordable. According to Jarrod Hobson, a travel specialist with ATJ, both Indonesia and Vietnam offer some of the best value in Asia. He notes that hotel prices appear to be designed to entice more visitors post-pandemic. Services such as manicures, massages, and haircuts in Jakarta are also known for being high quality and inexpensive.

New Delhi, India

Average total cost: $1,490

With direct flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., flights to New Delhi are more convenient and affordable. Clean and basic hotel rooms can be found for as little as $15 a night. Hobson recommends exchanging money at hotels rather than at airports upon arrival.

Bangkok, Thailand

Average total cost: $1,493

Although prices in Bangkok have increased due to its rising popularity, it remains one of the most affordable places to visit in Asia. Direct flights from the U.S. to Bangkok, along with budget flights to neighbouring countries such as Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, help keep travel costs down. For those willing to splurge a little, Bangkok’s luxury hotels offer great value for money. Crowley praises the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok as “excellent value compared to similar accommodations worldwide.”

Manila, Philippines

Average total cost: $1,495

Manila ranks sixth on Kayak’s list, primarily because of affordable flight options. United Airlines launched the first direct flight from San Francisco to Manila in October 2023, further lowering travel costs. Hotel prices are also reasonable, with many options at $20 or less per night.

Tokyo, Japan

Average total cost: $1,499

Although Japan is generally more expensive than Southeast Asia, Tokyo offers a wide range of affordable lodging options, including basic hotels for around $25 a night. With two international airports and multiple flight options, airfare to Tokyo remains competitive. Japan also currently has a favourable exchange rate for many travellers. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson provide delicious and affordable meals for those on a budget.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Average total cost: $1,505

Kuala Lumpur, or just ‘KL’ as we all call it, offers visitors a fine taste of local culture on a budget. Tiny food stalls known as mamaks serve up delicious local dishes such as Hakka-style beef noodles and chilli pan mee, a noodle dish topped with pork, egg, and chilli. With many one-stop flights to KL and hotel rates starting at $25 per night or less, this city provides excellent value for travellers.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Average total cost: $1,546

Vietnam appears on this list again, underscoring its reputation as an affordable destination. Crowley points out Vietnam’s “great cheap food, great value hotels, and great transport,” making it one of the most budget-friendly countries in Asia. Vietnam also offers excellent value for both domestic economy and business-class flights, which can make airport experiences much more pleasant.

Osaka, Japan

Average total cost: $1,567

Osaka is Japan’s foodie capital, known for its street food, including takoyaki (fried octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and mitarashi-dango (grilled rice dumplings). With two airports providing ample flight options and a convenient 2.5-hour bullet train connection to Tokyo, Osaka is both accessible and affordable.

Information from Travel + Leisure and Kayak contributed to this article.