Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui or Eilat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Eilat or Koh Samui?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Samui? 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 Samui?
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 Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEilat $140Koh Samui $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $55. 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 Samui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEilat $93Koh Samui $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEilat $186Koh Samui $48
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Koh Samui
Looking for a hotel in Eilat or Koh Samui? 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 Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eilat $13Koh Samui $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:
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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 Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Samui: Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour w/ Transfer and Meals: $35
- Samui International Airport: Private Hotel Transfer: $32
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
- Private Transfer from Lamai to Samui (USM) Airport: $36
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport: $26
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $67
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Koh Samui?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui 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
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Food Meals for one dayEilat $35Koh Samui $19
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eilat $16Koh Samui $10
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
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 1 - 4 persons: $117
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $145
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $49
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $43
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $70
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $46
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $51
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $107
- 3 Night Hotel Package and 2 Day Experience at Halfmoon Festival: $284
- 3.5-Hours ATV Adventure in the Jungle of Koh Phangan: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEilat $27Koh Samui $4.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Koh Samui, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat is in Middle East and Koh Samui 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 Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Samui.
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 Samui Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eilat or Koh Samui?
Eilat has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Eilat and Koh Samui, 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 Samui?
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 Samui in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Eilat this time of the year. Eilat is a little warmer than Koh Samui in the summer. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEilat 33°C (91°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Samui in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Koh Samui. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Koh Samui. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Eilat is around the same temperature as Koh Samui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Eilat in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEilat 26°C (79°F)Koh Samui 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Samui in the Winter?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Eilat is generally much colder than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEilat 14°C (57°F)Koh Samui 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Koh Samui in the Spring?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui year-round.
Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Koh Samui. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Eilat is around the same temperature as Koh Samui in the spring. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEilat 24°C (75°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Eilat
| Eilat | Koh Samui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°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.