Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samet or Byron Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Byron Bay, 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: Koh Samet or Byron Bay?
Koh Samet
The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?
Byron Bay
South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $96Byron Bay $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $139. 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 Koh Samet and Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Byron Bay $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Byron Bay? 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: Koh Samet Hotel Prices and Byron Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Byron Bay $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:
- Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Koh Samet 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 dayKoh Samet $27Byron Bay $47
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $8.96Byron Bay $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$123
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Surf Lesson$42
Tours and Activities in Byron Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:
- LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $32
- Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $32
- Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $39
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $45
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $45
- Sunset Brunswick River Nature Kayak Tour: $46
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $46
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $46
- Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $46
- From Byron: Half Day Learn to Surf Tour: $52
- Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $52
- Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $4.68Byron Bay $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay
Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $97
- Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $99
- Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $127
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samet much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Samet is in Asia and Byron Bay is in Pacific, 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 Samet would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samet 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay than you might in Koh Samet.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Byron Bay Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Byron Bay?
Byron Bay has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samet experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samet or Byron Bay in the Summer?
Both Byron Bay and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Koh Samet is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In July, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
Both Byron Bay and Koh Samet during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Koh Samet is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F)in April.
Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Byron Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Byron Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In January, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Byron Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Byron Bay. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Koh Samet is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.
Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.