Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Koh Samet or Canberra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Canberra, 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 Canberra?
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?
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
-
Koh Samet Prices
Thailand PricesCanberra Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $133Canberra $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $133, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $37Canberra $83
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $74Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet or Canberra? 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 Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $79Canberra $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKoh Samet $54Canberra $60
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$16
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $10Canberra $17
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily): $42
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Dine + Tour + Shop (1pm daily): $42
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $43
- The Women Behind Inspiring Tour with Local Guide: $43
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $46
- Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $5.38Canberra $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
-
Drinks at a Bar$9.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
- Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
- 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $161
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
- 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Canberra?
Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?
Both Canberra and Koh Samet during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Koh Samet is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Canberra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Koh Samet is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.
Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Canberra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Canberra. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Canberra in the Spring?
Both Canberra and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the activities around the city.
Koh Samet is much warmer than Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.
In April, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Canberrain October. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.