Which place is cheaper, Surat Thani or Dubai?
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 Dubai or Surat Thani?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Surat Thani can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Surat Thani?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesSurat Thani Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Surat Thani $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Surat Thani is $69. 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 Dubai and Surat Thani in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Surat Thani $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Surat Thani $52
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Surat Thani
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Surat Thani? 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: Dubai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Surat Thani $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Dubai Shopping Tour with Transfer: $300
- Private Transfer to/from Dubai Airport for Up to 6 People: $300
- Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
- Dubai Jet Car and Self Drive Tour with Private Transfer: $285
- X Line Ride in Dubai Marina with Optional Private Transfers: $270
- Burj Khalifa The Lounge - Levels 154, 153, 152 with Transfers: $270
- Afternoon High Tea at Atmosphere Burj Khalifa with Transfer: $259
- Burj Khalifa Lounge at Levels 152, 153 & 154 + Optional Transfers: $259
- Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $255
- Dubai Desert Safari With Dune Buggy Options and Shared Transfer: $249
- Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Adventure with Transfers Options: $245
- Atlantis Water Park Admission Pass With Private Transfers: $237
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $125
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Surat Thani?
Prices for flights to both Surat Thani and Dubai 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 dayDubai $96Surat Thani $27
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $8.75
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $15
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $16
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Vip Red Dune Desert Safari Dubai, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner, Shows: $18
- Vip Desert Safari Dubai With BBQ Buffet Dinner: $19
- VIP RED DUNE SAFARI with Pick/drop,Quad,Camel, BBQ Dinner & Shows: $19
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Deira Creek: $20
- Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & BBQ dinner: $21
- Dubai Desert Safari With4x4 Pick/Drop camel ride BBQ dinner shows: $21
- Dubai Creek Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Entertainment: $21
- Vip Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ dinner&shows-Pick&Drop(Optional): $22
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $50
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $52
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Surat Thani $5.54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- "Explore Dubai's Highlights: 6-Hour Guided City Tour: $41
- 1 HR - Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour: $20
- 1 Hour Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Dubai: $70
- 1 hour Dubai Marina Riviera Leisure Cruise: $111
- 1-Hour Jet Ski Tour – Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, & Dubai Skyline: $155
- 10 Hours Private Abu Dhabi City Tour: $181
- 12 mins Helicopter Tour & The View at The Palm Observatory Deck: $282
- 1Hour 2000cc Dune Buggy Adventure: Ultimate Milehah Desert Thrill: $215
- 2Hrs private Sea escape Cruise, Swim, Tan & Sightsee!: $229
- 30 Minutes Flyboard Experience in Dubai JBR: $125
- 30 minutes Private Jet Car Experience with Burj Al Arab View: $259
- 3000cc,V6 (Automatic) Dune Buggy+Sandboarding - Private Adventure: $295
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $32
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $78
- Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Adventure from Khao Sok: $97
- Cheow Lan Lake and Raft House Day Tour from Khao Sok: $92
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui: $72
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $81
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Half-Day Tour: Koh Rap, Pig Island & Koh Tan By Join Speed Boat: $56
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $62
- Ko Pha Ngan: Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan Snorkeling Adventure: $81
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $48
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Surat Thani $5.53
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Surat Thani, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Surat Thani.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Surat Thani Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Surat Thani?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 1137350 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Surat Thani, 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 Dubai or Surat Thani?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Dubai or Surat Thani in the Summer?
Both Surat Thani and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Dubai is June to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Surat Thani. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Surat Thani. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Surat Thani averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Surat Thani 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Surat Thani in the Autumn?
Both Surat Thani and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Surat Thani. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Surat Thani. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Surat Thani fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Surat Thani 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Surat Thani in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Surat Thani. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Surat Thani. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Dubai is cooler than Surat Thani in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Surat Thani fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Surat Thani 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Surat Thani in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Surat Thani. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.
Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Surat Thani. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Surat Thani. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Surat Thani averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Surat Thani 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Surat Thani and Dubai
| Dubai | Surat Thani | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
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.