Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Lima? 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $76Lima $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $76, while the average daily cost in Lima is $98. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Lima $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Lima $108
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Lima $6.24
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:
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $14
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Koh Samui Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet: $17
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui hotels to Ko Samui Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.91
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Taxi Ride$5.91
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Short Taxi Ride$4.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $257
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $218
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $215
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $196
- Lima Airport Luxury Arrival or Departure Transfer: $163
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $160
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $159
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $79
- Transfer in Private Van from the Airport to Hotels in Lima: $60
- Transfers + Huacachina + Paracas + Ballestas Islands + Buggies + Sandboarding: $60
- Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $57
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport to Lima: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $37Lima $33
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 Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.73
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Ice cream$3.84
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Coffee$3.25
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Donut$1.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
- Lima : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $36
- Culinary Experience with Pizzas - Barranco: $39
- #1 Rated Cooking Class with Best Dishes & Pisco Sour: $44
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
- Miraflores: Amazing Peruvian Cooking Class – Ceviche, Seafood, and Pisco Sour: $47
- Market Tour and Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $47
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- 4h Cooking Class in Iconic Dishes & Bottomless Drinks: $50
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Lima $9.43
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 Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$18
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Movie Tickets$2.51
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- 1 day tour in Ica Peru: $200
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $265
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Days 1 Night Paracas Ica Tour from Lima: $150
- 2 Days 1 Night Tour of Paracas Huacachina & flight to Nazca Lines: $272
- 2-Hour Surf Adventure in Lima: $31
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Days Tour of Paracas Huacachina and Nazca: $275
- 3 Days Tour: Paracas and Huacachina: $155
- 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
- 3-Day Marchu Picchu from EL Callao Cruise Ship Terminal: $2,050
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.16Lima $6.13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.95
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Beer$4.43
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Cocktail$3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Pub Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $5.00
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Pub Crawl Social Drinks in Barranco & Miraflores: $18
- Barranco's Nightlife Tour with Bar Crawl & Free Shots: $20
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Miraflores Nightlife Tour with Bar Crawl & Free Shots: $24
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- Peruvian Wine Tasting in an Exclusive Setting: $94
- From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $105
- From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Tour: $105
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima is in South America, 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Lima, 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 Lima?
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 Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Koh Samui during the summer 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 Lima year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Lima. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Lima. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Lima. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.