Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Eilat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Eilat or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Phi Phi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Eilat or Koh Phi Phi?
Eilat
Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.
Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.
Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.
Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEilat $140Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Eilat and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEilat $93Koh Phi Phi $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEilat $186Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Eilat or Koh Phi Phi? 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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eilat $13Koh Phi Phi $6.89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:
-
Local Bus$3.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat
Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
- Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
-
Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Eilat 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 dayEilat $35Koh Phi Phi $11
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.64
-
Sit Down Lunch$9.27
-
Casual Lunch$5.73
-
Coconut Donut$0.27
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
-
Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eilat $16Koh Phi Phi $45
Tours and Activities in Eilat
For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
- 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
- Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
- From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
- Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
- Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
- Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
- Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
- Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
- Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $160
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $97
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $69
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayEilat $27Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$14
-
Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat is in Middle East and Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat than you might in Koh Phi Phi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eilat Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eilat or Koh Phi Phi?
Eilat has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Eilat and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Eilat or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Eilat or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyEilat 33°C (91°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Koh Phi Phi. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the autumn, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.
Eilat is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEilat 26°C (79°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Eilat is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEilat 14°C (57°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Eilat during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the spring, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.
In April, Eilat is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilEilat 24°C (75°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Eilat
| Eilat | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.