Which place is cheaper, Taipei 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Koh Samui or Taipei?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Taipei? 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 Taipei?
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.
Taipei
Few cities in the world are full of more diverse opportunities than the cultural crosshairs city of Taipei. As the capital of Taiwan, this 300-year-old city is the financial, cultural and governmental center of Taiwan. Located in the northern part of the island between the Yangming Mountains and Central Mountains, this city of 2.6 million people is always ready to welcome more visitors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan.
-
Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesTaipei Prices
Taiwan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $77Taipei $199
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $77, while the average daily cost in Taipei is $199. 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 Taipei in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Taipei $150
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Taipei $300
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Taipei
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Taipei? 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 Taipei Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Taipei $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
-
Scooter Rental$2.30
-
Gas for Scooter$1.23
-
Airport Taxi$14
-
Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
-
Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Thrilling 2 Hour ATV Jungle with Hotel Transfer from Koh Samui: $88
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $166
- The Jungle Club or The Roof Samui Table Reservation with Transfer: $94
- Smooth Koh Samui to Krabi Catamaran and Bus or Van Transfer: $52
- Smooth Koh Phangan to Phuket Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $66
- Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport: $38
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $69
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $50
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $69
- Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $69
- Private Transfer from Lamai to Samui (USM) Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Taipei
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Taipei:
-
Easycard$2.07
-
Easycard$9.55
-
Train$1.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taipei
Also for Taipei, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Taipei city hotels to Hualien Cruise Port: $277
- Private Transfer from Taipei Taoyuan Airport TPE to Hualien Port: $277
- Taipei Taoyuan Airport TPE to Beitou New Taipei Arrival Transfer: $189
- Luxury Chartered Private Transfer Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City: $140
- Private Transfer from Taoyuan Intl Airport to Taoyuan or Taipei city: $136
- Taiwan Airport Private Transfer: $119
- Taoyuan airport to Yilan Private Transfer: $105
- Taipei City to Keelung (Taipei) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $103
- Private Transfer from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung City downtown: $90
- Taoyuan Airport to Keelung port Private Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer from Keelung (Taipei) Cruise Port to Taipei City: $76
- Taipei Arrival Private Transfer: Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) to Hotel: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Taipei?
Prices for flights to both Taipei 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKoh Samui $38Taipei $28
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.60
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:
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $60
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $80
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $82
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $85
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $86
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $107
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $110
Typical Food Prices in Taipei
For Taipei, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
EasyCard$16
-
Lunch at The Can$7.00
-
EasyCard$32
-
Lunch$3.02
-
Lunch$1.91
-
Dinner$6.36
-
Lunch$3.66
-
Lunch$4.77
-
Louisa coffee$3.02
-
Lunch$6.05
-
Lunch$3.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Taipei
For Taipei, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tours w/ Top 10 Taiwan Food (Breakfast/Dinner): $45
- Taipei Food Tour: Night Market & Convenience Store(Food Included): $45
- After Dusk Food Tours with Drinks & Night Market Flavors: $50
- Street Food & Hidden Eats Night Market Food Tour: $55
- Taipei Hidden Eats, Market & Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings: $55
- Taipei Food Tours Local Market with 12+ tasters & Drinks Included: $57
- Turnip cake, Pork thick soup, Tofu pudding. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-C (Taipei Cooking Class): $65
- Backstreet Food Tour: Food, Culture, and Fun: $75
- Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77
- Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77
- Street Food Cooking Class in Taipei : Gua Bao/Lu Rou Fan/Boba Tea: $79
- Taiwanese Breakfast Cooking Class in Taipei: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Taipei $18
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: $88
- 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui: $111
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $58
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $121
- 3 Hour ATV Secret Waterfall Adventure in Koh Samui: $110
- 4 Hour Ultimate ATV Jungle Tour in Koh Samui Lunch Included: $141
- 4WD Jungle Safari Tour in Koh Samui with Lunch: $50
- 6 Hours Elephant Care and Jungle Tour by 4WD in Koh Samui: $62
- ATV 1.5 Hours Jungle Safari Tour On Koh Phangan: $76
- ATV 2 hrs. Jungle Adventure on the Mountain Way in Koh Samui: $63
- ATV Jungle & Mountain Trails 30-Min Off-Road Adventure Koh Samui: $47
- Adventure Kayaking at Angthong Marine Park: $116
Tours and Activities in Taipei
For Taipei, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 101 Skyline 460 Observatory Ticket | Taipei: $125
- 12hrs - Chiayi Meteor Garden Classic Tour From Taipei: $72
- 2-Hour Private Longshan Temple Walking Tour: $35
- 2-Hour Private Ximending Area Walking Tour: $35
- 2-Hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - S.Y.S. Memorial Hall & 44 South Village: $58
- 2-Hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - Xingtian Temple: $55
- 2-hr Ningxia Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide: $35
- 3-hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - Songshan distric & taste lotus hot pot: $77
- 3.5 hours Taipei City Tour (morning or afternoon ): $44
- 4 Days Private Tour Taipei, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake & Taichung: $1,079
- 4 Hour Afternoon Cycling City Tour North with Snack: $83
- 4-Hour Morning Cycling City Tour (incl. breakfast): $83
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.21Taipei $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Taipei
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taipei:
- Taipei Authentic Night Sober-Friendly Pub Crawl: $20
- Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes): $27
- Taiwan Brewery Tour Taiwan’s First National Beer with Tastings: $50
- Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery,Jim&Dad's Brewing, Shenkeng Tour: $95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Taipei, we can see that Taipei is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Taipei would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taipei 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 Taipei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Taipei?
Taipei has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Taipei, 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.