Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer?
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.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesJaisalmer Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $74Jaisalmer $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $74, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $41. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Jaisalmer $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Jaisalmer $24
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Jaisalmer
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Jaisalmer $11
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$2.22
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Gas for Scooter$1.18
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$12
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $161
- Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $134
- Koh Samui ATV and Zipline Experience with Transfers: $109
- 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
- Koh Samui Zipline 11 Lines with Jungle Views and Transfers: $74
- Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $72
- Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $66
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $66
- Koh Samui Tree Bridge Zipline and Jungle Cafe with Hotel Transfer: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Ahmedabad: $117
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $96
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $62
- From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Jaisalmer?
Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 $36Jaisalmer $20
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)$6.37
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:
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $58
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Idyllic Half Day Sunset Cruise and Dinner in Koh Samui: $75
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $76
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $76
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $77
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Transfer: $78
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $79
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $82
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $84
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- off beat Desert safari with sunset and dinner: $10
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $13
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $25
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $25
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $32
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Cooking Class with Local Family & Rooftop Meal: $37
- Jeep Camel Ride, Musical Evening & Traditional Buffet Dinner: $37
- Shahi Half Day Sunset Camel ride & Cultural program & dinner: $38
- Shahi Half day non touristic sand dune camel safari with dinner: $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Jaisalmer $11
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure in Koh Samui Mountain Viewpoints: $85
- 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui: $107
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $51
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $56
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $117
- 3 Hour ATV Secret Waterfall Adventure in Koh Samui: $106
- 3.5-Hour Koh Phangan ATV Jungle Adventure with Viewpoints: $168
- 4 Hour Ultimate ATV Jungle Tour in Koh Samui Lunch Included: $137
- 6 Hours Elephant Care and Jungle Tour by 4WD in Koh Samui: $60
- ATV 1.5 Hours Jungle Safari Tour On Koh Phangan: $67
- ATV Jungle & Mountain Trails 30-Min Off-Road Adventure Koh Samui: $51
- Adventure Kayaking at Angthong Marine Park: $112
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.16
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- 02 nights authentic wild camping & Luxury Camping Experience: $129
- 1-Night and 2-Days Thar Desert Safari Tour: $41
- 2 Days Sharing Group Thar Desert Safari Adventure Tour: $8.60
- 2 Night 3 Days Non Touristic Thar Desert & Camel Safari Adventure: $49
- 2 Nights 3 Days Nomadic Thar Desert Adventure Safari Tour: $105
- 3 Days Private Jaisalmer Tour: $180
- 3 Days Tour in Wild Desert Safari: $70
- 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $208
- 5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $266
- Adventure & Campfire Overnight Desert Safari: $32
- Adventure non touristic camel safari: $44
- All-Inclusive Jaisalmer Full or Half Day Sightseeing Tour: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.03Jaisalmer $8.13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Jaisalmer, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer.
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 Jaisalmer Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Jaisalmer, 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.