Which place is cheaper, Agra or Koh Samui?
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 Koh Samui or Agra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Agra? 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: Koh Samui or Agra?
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.
Agra
In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.
While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesAgra Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $75Agra $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $75, while the average daily cost in Agra is $48. 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 Samui and Agra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Agra $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Agra $28
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Agra
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Agra? 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 Samui Hotel Prices and Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Agra $8.96
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$2.24
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Gas for Scooter$1.19
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Samui Guided Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour with Transfer: $196
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $161
- Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $134
- Samui Michelin Guide Dining at Ban Suan Lung Khai and transfer: $91
- The Jungle Club or The Roof Samui Table Reservation with Transfer: $91
- Thrilling 2 Hour ATV Jungle with Hotel Transfer from Koh Samui: $85
- Koh Samui Beginner Friendly Jungle Treetop Zipline with Transfers: $78
- Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $72
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $66
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $60
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $59
- Smooth Koh Phangan to Phuket Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Munnar: Hill Station Tour with Guide and Transfers: $225
- From Private Kannauj Perfume Tour w/Transfers & Lunch: $197
- Private Transfer- Agra city to Delhi via Mathura: $169
- Private transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $161
- Private Transfer From Agra To Udaipur: $160
- Transfer from Agra or Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri & Stepwell: $140
- Agra Half-Day City Tour and Transfer to Delhi: $136
- Private Transfer Agra to Varanasi by Car: $130
- Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $130
- Agra to Delhi (one-way private transfer): $121
- Private Transfer from Agra to Jaipur with Fatehpur Sikri: $120
- Private One-Way Transfer: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur: $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Agra?
Prices for flights to both Agra and Koh Samui 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 Samui $37Agra $23
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)$6.42
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:
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $70
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $76
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $77
- Idyllic Half Day Sunset Cruise and Dinner in Koh Samui: $77
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $79
- Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Micro Organic Garden: $81
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $82
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $84
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $86
- Koh Samui Thai Cooking Small-Group Class with Daily Rotating Menu: $88
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $107
Typical Food Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:
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Breakfast for Two$1.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra
For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking class with taj: $5.64
- Old Agra Market & Street Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $15
- Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk Ride: $18
- Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra: $20
- Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $21
- Old City & Street Food Tour in Car, Tuk Tuk or Bike: $21
- AI Cooking Class and Much More in a Local Family Home: $27
- Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $28
- Agra Street Food Tour and Sadar Bazar Walking Tour: $30
- Story of Spices- A Food Tour of Agra: $39
- Taj Mahal Walking Tour with Street Food Tour: $41
- Henna application session with dinner: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Agra $17
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $56
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $106
- 3.5-Hour Koh Phangan ATV Jungle Adventure with Viewpoints: $135
- 4WD Jungle Safari Tour in Koh Samui with Lunch: $49
- 6 Hours Elephant Care and Jungle Tour by 4WD in Koh Samui: $61
- ATV 1.5 Hours Jungle Safari Tour On Koh Phangan: $67
- Adventure Kayaking at Angthong Marine Park: $113
- Amazing Koh Samui "Must Visit" Private Tour: $173
- Ang Thong Marine Park Adventure with Kayaking and Lunch: $62
- Ang Thong Marine Park Full-Day Speedboat VIP Tour: $73
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $32
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Speed Boat with Lunch: $67
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra
For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entry to the Red Fort for Two$6.23
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Taj Mahal for Two$16
Tours and Activities in Agra
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.
- 1 Day Agra and 1 Day Jaipur Private Tour from Agra: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour of Agra - Taj Mahal & More: $35
- 1 Day Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Agra with Fatehpur Sikri: $90
- 2 Day Golden Triangle Private Tour From Agra: $201
- 2 Day Vrindavan Temples and Myths Tour with a Local Guide: $53
- 2 Days Jaipur City Tour from Agra: $85
- 2 Days Taj Mahal Agra Tour with Fatehpur Sikri From Delhi: $148
- 2 Days Tour of Taj Mahal and More - Agra Beyond Taj Mahal: $168
- 2 Days: Private Agra City Tour: $52
- 2-Day Agra Overnight Tour From Delhi by Car: $71
- 2-Day Private Taj Mahal,Agra City Tour From Mumbai By Flight: $116
- 2-Day Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Jaipur Heritage Tour from Agra: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.07Agra $8.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Agra, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Agra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Agra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Agra 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 Koh Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui than you might in Agra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Agra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Agra?
Agra has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Agra, 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.