Which place is cheaper, Kingston 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 Kingston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Kingston? 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 Kingston?
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.
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesKingston Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $74Kingston $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $74, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $125. 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 Kingston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Kingston $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Kingston $126
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Kingston
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Kingston? 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 Kingston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Kingston $29
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:
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $21
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: $25
- Full Moon Party by Speed Boat Transfer from Koh Samui: $33
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $58
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $34
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $59
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Hassle Free Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $51
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $55
- Koh Samui ATV and Zipline Experience with Transfers: $109
- Koh Samui Airport Private Arrival or Departure Minivan Transfer: $40
- Koh Samui Airport to Hotel Transfer – Arrival & Departure: $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Cruise Port to Kingston Hotels: $255
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- Private Transfers: Kingston Airport ↔ Montego Bay Area: $215
- Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
- Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Falmouth Port: $192
- Private Transfer from Kingston hotel to Falmouth Cruise Port: $192
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Hilton Rose Hall: $187
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
- Transfer for Kingston Airport to or from Hotels in Falmouth Area: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Kingston?
Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 $36Kingston $45
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:
- Koh Phangan Private Group Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $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: $75
- 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 Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $78
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Transfer: $78
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $79
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $84
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Kingston $12
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui Class@13:30 pm.: $2.28
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.60
- Koh Samui Paris Follies Cabaret Spectacular Evening Show Ticket: $16
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $17
- Paris Follies Cabaret Evening Entertainment Ticket from Koh Samui: $19
- Create Your Own Crystal Aroma Oil Ritual Experience: $20
- Koh Samui Half Day Island Guided Tour: $23
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $25
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $26
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $27
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV adventure in ocho rios: $104
- Art Walk, Bob Marley Museum Kingston City Tour: $130
- Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
- Blue Mountain Coffee Tasting & Farm Tour from Kingston: $150
- Blue Mountain Waterfall and Sightseeing Ecotour: $200
- Bluehole, Dunn's River Falls and Port Royal all in one tour: $690
- Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
- Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Sightseeing from Port Royal Cruise Port: $205
- Bunny Lee Museum and Recording Studio Admission Ticket: $30
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Cultural City Tour of Kingston: $105
- Cultural Walking Tour of Kingston: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.03Kingston $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:
- Worthy Park Estate Rum Distillery Tour with Tasting: $144
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Kingston, we can see that Kingston is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Samui is in Asia and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Kingston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kingston than you might in Koh Samui.
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 Kingston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Kingston?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Kingston, 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 Kingston?
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 Kingston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Kingston. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.
Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Kingston. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is cooler than Kingston in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Kingston 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Kingston in the Autumn?
Both Kingston 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 Kingston 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 rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Kingston. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is cooler than Kingston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Kingston averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Kingston 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Kingston in the Winter?
Both Kingston 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 Kingston year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Kingston. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Kingston 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Kingston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Kingston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Kingston. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Kingston in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Kingston 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Kingston and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Kingston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.