A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Guatemala City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bangkok or Guatemala City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Guatemala City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Bangkok or Guatemala City?

Bangkok

Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.

Guatemala City

Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City or Bangkok?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $100, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 Bangkok and Guatemala City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangkok $48
    Guatemala City $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangkok $96
    Guatemala City $50
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Guatemala City

Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Guatemala City? 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.

Hotels in Bangkok


Hotels in Guatemala City


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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Guatemala City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangkok $6.24
    Guatemala City $6.30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.39
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.77
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.95
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.78
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.46
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.68
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.49
  • Trains to airport
    $4.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • Gems Gallery Phuket with Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $2.30
  • Erawan Museum Admission Ticket with Transfer: $13
  • BKK/DMK Airport Private Transfer to/from Bangkok/Pattaya: $13
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Moca Bangkok Entry Ticket and transfer: $14
  • Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK Private Transfer to Bangkok or Pattaya: $14
  • Suvarnabhumi BKK Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $15
  • Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $15
  • Private Transfer from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK): $15
  • Bangkok Ancient City Admission Ticket With Optional Transfers: $15
  • Private Bangkok Airport Transfer with Free Tollway: $17
  • Private transfer from Hotel in Bangkok to BKK Airport: $17
  • Shared Airport Transfer: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Bangkok Hotel: $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Airport Transfer for Large Groups – Private Bus: $195
  • From Guatemala City One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey: $49
  • From One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $59
  • Guatemala Airport (GUA) to San Felipe de Lara - Arrival Transfer: $185
  • Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Arrival Transfer: $164
  • One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
  • One way private transfer to Antigua: $69
  • One way shared transfer to Panajachel: $44
  • Private Museums Tour with Transfers: $225
  • La Aurora Airport (GUA): One-Way Private Transfer to Antigua: $32
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER From Airport/Guate City to ANTIGUA or Vice-versa: $40
  • Private Airport Transfer La Aurora airport to Guatemala: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Guatemala City?

Prices for flights to both Guatemala City and Bangkok 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bangkok $34
    Guatemala City $27
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    $27
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $5.97
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.34
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.89
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $5.97
  • Pad Thai
    $2.09
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $16
  • Lunch for 2
    $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.

  • Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck Ticket with Buffet Lunch or Dinner: $23
  • Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show and Sunset View: $24
  • Chao Phraya Princess Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $25
  • Bangkok Sawasdee Sunset Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM+Beer FreeFlow: $26
  • Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
  • Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $26
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
  • Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $28
  • Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $28
  • Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok's Old Town with Market Tour: $29
  • Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $30
  • Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.

  • Cooking Experience in Guatemala from Market to Table: $23
  • Guatemala: Wine and Pizza Tasting Experience: $35
  • Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $80
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $195
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza with Great Volcano Views: $205
  • Puerto Quetzal: Private Tour Pacaya Volcano 4x4 and Pizza: $550

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangkok $17
    Guatemala City $1.23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok

Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Movie Ticket
    $4.77
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $10
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.49
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $5.97
  • Club Cover Charge
    $11
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $72
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.47
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $2.98
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $12

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bangkok Chinatown Eats: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.13
  • Bangkok Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Bangkok Self-Guided Walking Tour Essential Landmarks and Quizzes: $6.57
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Bangkok's Most Picturesque Sights: $6.99
  • Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Chinatown & Golden Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl): $6.99
  • Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Bangkok Art and Culture Hidden Gems Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.57
  • Erawan Museum Ticket (NON THAI): $9.80
  • Bangkok Erawan Museum Ticket (NON-THAI): $9.80
  • Bangkok Meland Siam Paragon Entry Ticket: $10
  • Bangkok Space and Time Cube Admission Ticket: $10

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:

  • Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City: $20
  • Historic Center Walking Tour; Art and History: $27
  • Volcano-Grown Coffee Tasting Experience: $28
  • Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour: $34
  • Walking Tour: $35
  • Guatemala city walking tour everyday 2 persons and up: $39
  • Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $40
  • Private Tour in the Historic Center of Guatemala City: $45
  • City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
  • Night Photo Tour in Guatemala City: $50
  • Heart of Guided with a local Tour Guide: $50
  • Historical and natural bike tour in Guatemala City: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangkok $5.44
    Guatemala City $6.98
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • The Original Speakeasy & Iconic Venues Pub Crawl: $30
  • Bangkok Bar Crawl by Tuk Tuk: $67

Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City

Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Guatemala City, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok is in Asia and Guatemala City is in Central America, 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 Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok than you might in Guatemala City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Guatemala City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Guatemala City?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Guatemala City. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Guatemala City, 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.