A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delhi vs. Koh Tao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Delhi or Koh Tao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi or Koh Tao, 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: Delhi or Koh Tao?

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

Koh Tao

With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.

This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.

Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Delhi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $45, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $37. 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 Delhi and Koh Tao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $23
    Koh Tao $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $46
    Koh Tao $28
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Koh Tao

Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Koh Tao? 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 Delhi


Hotels in Koh Tao


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: Delhi Hotel Prices and Koh Tao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $5.28
    Koh Tao $8.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.12
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.91
  • Subway
    $0.38
  • Uber Cab
    $0.96
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.79
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Delhi to Jaipur transfer via Bharatpur and Ranthambore park visit: $300
  • 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.: $275
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Corbett National Park with Brunch: $224
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $189
  • Private Transfers Delhi To Dehradun Drop: $184
  • Evening Delhi city tour with pickup transfer: $183
  • 3-Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi with Airport Transfers: $180
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Agra with Transfer & Ticket Included : $179
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar: $178
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Agra via Vrindavan & Mathura: $166
  • One Way Delhi To Udaipur Transfer: $160
  • Private Transfers Delhi To Ajmer Drop: $147

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $5.18
  • Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry
    $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Koh Tao?

Prices for flights to both Koh Tao and Delhi 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
    Delhi $12
    Koh Tao $9.21
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

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


  • McDonalds
    $3.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

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

  • Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
  • Old Delhi Food Tour with local, A must for Indian culinary lover!: $21
  • Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
  • Food Tour Old Delhi: $31
  • Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
  • Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $36
  • Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $43
  • Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $44
  • Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $45
  • Vegetarian : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $46
  • Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
  • Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $50

Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:


  • Sit Down Lunch (for One)
    $5.46
  • Breakfast
    $4.09
  • Casual Breakfast (for Two)
    $3.27
  • Fancy Dinner (for Two)
    $13
  • Pancake
    $1.91
  • American Breakfast (for Two)
    $7.64
  • Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)
    $7.36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delhi $13
    Koh Tao $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi

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


  • Red Fort
    $10

Tours and Activities in Delhi

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

  • 2 Days Agra Tour From Delhi with Fatehpur Sikri & bird Sanctuary: $130
  • 3 Day Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $132
  • 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $205
  • 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $147
  • 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
  • All Inclusive: Same day Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $50
  • Bharatpur Birding adventure from Delhi: $159
  • Delhi : Private Day Tour Of Tajmahal And Shopping At Agra: $100
  • Delhi Agra and Jaipur 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $220
  • Delhi Evening City Tour with Guide: $53
  • Full Day Old And New Delhi City Tour- All Inclusive : $38
  • Golden Triangle Tour 3 Days: $267

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao

For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental (One Hour)
    $6.82
  • Snorkel Rental
    $2.73
  • Kayak and Snorkel (2)
    $2.73

Tours and Activities in Koh Tao

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.

  • Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $22
  • Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $22
  • Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $23
  • 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $24
  • Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $28
  • Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $33
  • Koh Tao Viewpoint and Snorkeling Tour: $55
  • Basic Diver ( One Day Experience): $124
  • Koh Tao Cliff Jumping Snorkeling Experience: $135
  • Koh Tao Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour (Private) : $175
  • Advanced Adventurer - 2 days ( Advanced Open Water): $277

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $8.67
    Koh Tao $7.14

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $1.77
  • Bottle of Wine
    $10


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

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


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Koh Tao?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 7910 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Koh Tao, 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.


When is the best time to visit Delhi or Koh Tao?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Delhi or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Delhi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Tao. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Delhi often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Delhi this time of the year. Delhi is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 31°C (88°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Delhi and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao. Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Delhi usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Delhi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Delhi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Delhi is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Delhi in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Delhi as well as Koh Tao. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. Delhi usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In the winter, Delhi often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Delhi gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.

In January, Delhi is generally cooler than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 15°C (59°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao and Delhi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June. In April, Delhi usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.

Delhi is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delhi 29°C (84°F) 
    Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Delhi

Delhi Koh Tao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 380 mm (15 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)