Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru or Khao Lak?
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 Khao Lak or Johor Bahru?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Johor Bahru 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: Khao Lak or Johor Bahru?
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesJohor Bahru Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $152Johor Bahru $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $152, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $68. 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 Khao Lak and Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $57Johor Bahru $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $114Johor Bahru $84
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Johor Bahru? 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices and Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $59Johor Bahru $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Phuket Airport(HKT)&Hotel Transfers:Private—Phuket/Khao Lak/Krabi: $18
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $47
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $63
- Private Minivan Transfer from Khao Lak hotels to Phuket Airport: $67
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Walk with Hotel Transfer – 2 Hours: $72
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink & Transfer: $94
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $106
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $195
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $238
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $105
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Car]: $250
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuala Besut Transfer [Van]: $135
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $94
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Penang Island Transfer [Van]: $156
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru to Cameron Highland Hotels (Door to Door) Private Transfer: $235
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $125
- Johor Bahru to Mersing jetty Private Transfer: $95
- Johor Hotels to Malacca Hotels (Door to Door) Transfer: $143
- LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $59Johor Bahru $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour: $66
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $69
- Hands on Cooking Class at Riverside Thai Cooking in Khao Lak: $71
- Fun Learning Thai Cooking with Local Market from Khao Lak: $72
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $88
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $100
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, Rubber Tapping & Coconut Cooking: $113
- Bamboo Cooking Rafting with Khuk Khak Temple Tour from Khao Lak: $115
- Khao Lak Bamboo Rafting and Bamboo Cooking with Waterfall Tour: $121
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $21Johor Bahru $8.28
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $38
- Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary Small-Group Guided Tour: $56
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $56
- Sky Rock High Thrill Rainforest Zipline Adventure from Khao Lak: $60
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $61
- Little Amazon and Wat Khongkha Phimuk Half Day Tour from Khao Lak: $69
- James Bond, Hong & Khai Islands Premium Tour from Khao Lak: $72
- Takuapa Old Town Historical and Cultural Day Tour from Khao Lak: $75
- Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Islands Tour By Seastar Andaman From Khao Lak: $76
- Khao Lak Local Life and Culture Tour with Lunch: $78
- Khao Lak ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $78
- Khao Lak Waterfalls and Lakes Half Day Cycling Tour with lunch: $78
Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
- Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $6.62
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
- Wings of Time Admission Ticket: $14
- Universal Studios Ticket Singapore: $16
- Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $17
- Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony Tickets: $18
- Malaysia: Johor Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Entry Ticket: $18
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $20
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $21
- Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
- Singapore: Madame Tussauds Sentosa E-Ticket: $22
- Legoland Malaysia Admission Ticket (All Rides & Attractions): $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $15Johor Bahru $5.40
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Johor Bahru, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Johor Bahru would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Johor Bahru 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak than you might in Johor Bahru.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Johor Bahru?
Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Johor Bahru, 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.
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.