Which place is cheaper, Phuket or Addis Ababa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Addis Ababa or Phuket?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Addis Ababa or Phuket, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Addis Ababa or Phuket?
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
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Addis Ababa Prices
Ethiopia PricesPhuket Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAddis Ababa $28Phuket $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Addis Ababa is $28, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $134. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Addis Ababa and Phuket in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAddis Ababa $15Phuket $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAddis Ababa $30Phuket $124
Compare Hotels in Addis Ababa and Phuket
Looking for a hotel in Addis Ababa or Phuket? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Addis Ababa Hotel Prices and Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Addis Ababa $2.75Phuket $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Addis Ababa are as follows:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa
Also for Addis Ababa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4 Hours Addis Airport Transfer with Ethiopian Cultural Tour: $299
- Addis Ababa Airport in/out transfer: $49
- Addis Ababa Airport pickup and Transfer: $29
- Addis Ababa Airport transfer and shuttle service(privet): $23
- Addis Ababa Layover Tour: Mercato Market & Airport Transfer: $77
- Airport Pickup and transfer: $18
- Cultural Show and Jazz Night with Transfers: $44
- Customizable Layover Tour with Transfers: $55
- Golf Club Experience with Hotel Transfer: $100
- Photography Tour with Guide & Transfer: $62
- Private Tour with Local Guide and Transfers: $65
- City and Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.08
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket to Krabi: Island Transfer & Private Phi Phi Tour: $430
- Krabi to Island Transfer & Private Phi Phi Tour: $401
- 7 Islands Jet Ski Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $270
- Phuket’s Must-Do Tours with Return Private Airport Transfers: $248
- 5 or 8-Island Jet Ski Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $246
- Jet Ski Tour to 6/9 Islands with Lunch & Transfers: $243
- Phuket Jet Ski Adventure and Island Hopping with Transfers: $210
- Ko Lanta: Private Transfer To/From Phuket and Ko Lanta: $208
- Phuket airport to Krabi Private transfer: $206
- Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $187
- Phuket any hotel to Koh lanta Private transfer: $182
- Phuket Airport: Private One-Way Van Transfer to Krabi Hotel: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Addis Ababa or Phuket?
Prices for flights to both Phuket and Addis Ababa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAddis Ababa $11Phuket $42
Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Addis Ababa:
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Slice of Cake$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa
For Addis Ababa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Ethiopian Cooking Class with a Local Host: $47
- Addis Eats Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- Berbere Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Addis Ababa Food Tour: Ethiopian Cuisine, Coffee & Drinks: $50
- Berbere Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $50
- Addis Eats Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $50
- Flavors of Ethiopia: Hands-On Cooking Class in Addis Ababa: $55
- Food tour in Addis Ababa with airport pick-up.: $56
- Totot Cultural Feast & Rhythm Show With Dinner: $60
- Addis Ababa Ethiopian Food Cooking Class and Kitchen Tour: $60
- Local Ethiopian Food Tour Addis Ababa: $62
- Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting: $65
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$8.75
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.14
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.72
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Bananas$0.76
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Pizza (for Two)$9.08
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
- Authentic Peranakan Cooking Class & Tasting Menu in Phuket: $30
- Pum Thai Express Cooking Experience with Recipe Book: $37
- Old Town Food Tour | Travstore OG F.A.T: $45
- Siam Niramit Show with Optional Dinner: $47
- Siam Niramit Ticket with Round Transfer and Dinner: $50
- Elephant Experience with Lunch or Dinner and Pickup: $51
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $52
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $52
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Phuket with Dinner at Promthep Cape: $53
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Addis Ababa $2.84Phuket $47
Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Addis Ababa.
- Addis Ababa City Tour & Coffee Ceremony with Shopping areas: $18
- National Museum Guided Tour with Lucy Fossil: $28
- Guided Walking Tour with Coffee & Food: $28
- Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Tour: $30
- Guided City Tour with Coffee Break & Entry fee: $30
- Kebena to Entoto Green Corridor Discovery Tour: $30
- Best Addis Ababa Half-Day Tour: $32
- Mercato Market Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup: $32
- Premium Addis Ababa Piassa Walking Tour with Coffee Ceremony: $32
- Red Terror Memorial Storytelling Experience: $35
- Flexible City tour Museum's,other layover vist: $35
- Coffee Ceremony & Traditional Clothing Tour: $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$27
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$76
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Thai Oil Massage$19
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Surfboard Rental$9.08
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (Bookable Rows 1–3)Simon Cabaret Show Tickets in Patong Phuket: $25
- 1 Day Phuket Sightseeing Tour Without Shopping: $47
- 1 Hour Phuket ATV on Tour + Big Buddha: $40
- 1-Hour Quad Bike ATV Ride – Ultimate Adventure: $60
- 12 Islands Overnight Tour: $203
- 2 Day Tour to James Bond Islands, Krabi and Phi Phi: $182
- 2 Hours ATV Riding in Phuket (Popular Tour): $100
- 3 Fun Dives King Cruiser Wreck and Koh DokMai for Certified diver: $169
- 3 Hour Zipline Adventure Park Experience: 65 Platforms: $107
- 3 Khai Islands Tour- Snorkel, Swim & Relax (Half or Full Day): $34
- 3-Dive Discover Scuba Diving Tour in Phuket for Beginners: $157
- 3-Island Speedboat Tour: Racha Noi, Racha Yai & Maiton: $112
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAddis Ababa $2.35Phuket $7.05
Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:
- Pastry, Chocolate, and Wine Tour with Pickup: $60
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.05
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Beer$2.57
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $15
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Bar Crawl Tour: $29
- Cocktail Workshop with Distillery Visit & Tasting: $39
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $53
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $88
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $134
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Addis Ababa and Phuket, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Addis Ababa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Addis Ababa is in Africa and Phuket is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Addis Ababa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Addis Ababa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket than you might in Addis Ababa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Addis Ababa Expensive? and Is Phuket Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Addis Ababa or Phuket?
Addis Ababa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Addis Ababa and Phuket, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.