Which place is cheaper, Delhi 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 Delhi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Delhi? 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 Delhi?
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.
Delhi
Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesDelhi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $76Delhi $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $76, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $49. 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 Delhi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Delhi $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Delhi $42
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Delhi
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Delhi? 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 Delhi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Delhi $4.34
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$2.28
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Gas for Scooter$1.22
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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$3.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $112
- Angthong Catamaran Tour from Koh Samui with Lunch and Transfers: $77
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $21
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: $26
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $60
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $49
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $35
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $61
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Hassle Free Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $52
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $56
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.11
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Taxi to Airport$1.70
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Subway$0.34
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Uber Cab$0.85
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Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.59
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Auto-rickshaw$1.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- 3-Days Amritsar tour from Delhi Includes Hotel,Train tickets & Transfers: $200
- From Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour & Transfer to Jaipur: $140
- One Way: Private Transfer between Delhi and Ranthambore: $98
- Sunrise Taj Mahal Day Trip from Delhi with Guide & Transfers: $88
- Private Transfers from Delhi Airport to any Residences or Hotels in Agra by cab: $84
- Jaipur Pink City Private Day Trip from Delhi with transfer: $80
- "Same Day Delhi-Agra-Delhi" Private Round Trip/Transfer - By Car: $75
- Akshardham Temple Exhibition, light and Water show With Transfers: $71
- Private Transfers from Delhi to Major Cities – Flexible Options: $50
- Private One Way Transfer From Delhi To Agra: $48
- Private Transfer From New Delhi to Jaipur: $48
- Round Trip Delhi Airport Transfers – Arrival & Departure Both: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Delhi?
Prices for flights to both Delhi 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 $37Delhi $18
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)$6.54
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:
- Koh Samui Local Market Hin Ta Hin Yai and Beach Dinner: $36
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $78
- Thai Cooking Class | Farm to Table: $78
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $78
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $80
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $86
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $109
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $112
- Koh Samui Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $120
Typical Food Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:
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McDonalds$3.11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Old Delhi Food Tour: 8 Tastings & Tuk-Tuk Ride with Local Expert: $17
- Customized Half Day and Full Day Delhi Shopping, Street Food Tour: $20
- Evening Food Tour: $29
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour – Explore Spices in Chandni Chowk: $30
- Chandni Chowk Delhi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
- 4-Hour Old Delhi Evening Walking Tour with Local Dinner & Guide: $40
- Old Delhi Night Food Tour - Kitchens & Local Stories: $40
- The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk: $43
- Cooking Demo + Lunch/Dinner and interaction with an Indian family @ Chez Anjali: $45
- Chandni Chowk Old Delhi Food Tour with Spice Market: $45
- Old Delhi Chandi Chowk Food Tour with Rickshaw Ride - 4-5 Hours: $50
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour With Spice Market On Tuk Tuk: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Delhi $18
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.02
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $14
- Paris Follies Cabaret Evening Entertainment Ticket from Koh Samui: $20
- Create Your Own Crystal Aroma Oil Ritual Experience: $20
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Half Day Island Guided Tour: $23
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $25
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi
Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Red Fort$9.22
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Taj Mahal" Tour from Delhi by India's Fastest Train (Gatiman Express): $58
- 1-Day Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi: $192
- 2 Day Jim corbett national park tour with 2 Safari: $270
- 2 Day Private Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi - Agra and Jaipur: $85
- 2 Day Quick Golden Triangle Tour From Delhi: $197
- 2 Day Taj Mahal Sunset Sunrise Tour From Delhi: $199
- 2 Days Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur From Delhi: $212
- 2 Days Overnight Taj Mahal & Agra Tour From Delhi: $70
- 2 Days Private Delhi & Agra Tour with Taj Mahal from Delhi by Car: $91
- 2 Days Private Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur From Delhi: $126
- 2-Day Golden Triangle Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra and Jaipur from Delhi by Car: $224
- 2-Day Private Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri Tour From Delhi: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.16Delhi $7.68
Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi
Also in Delhi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Delhi, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delhi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delhi 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 Delhi.
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 Delhi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Delhi?
Delhi has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Delhi, 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 Koh Samui or Delhi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Delhi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Delhi. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Delhi. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Delhi. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Delhi this time of the year. In July, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Delhi. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Delhi fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Delhi 31°C (88°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Delhi in the Autumn?
Both Delhi and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Delhi. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Delhi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Delhi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Delhi 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Delhi in the Winter?
Both Delhi and Koh Samui during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Delhi. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Delhi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Delhi averages at about 15°C (59°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Delhi 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Delhi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Delhi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Delhi. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Delhi. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Delhi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Delhi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Delhi and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Delhi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 34°C (93°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.