Which place is cheaper, Tianjin 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 Tianjin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tianjin? 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 Tianjin?
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.
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
-
Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesTianjin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $77Tianjin $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $77, while the average daily cost in Tianjin is $97. 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 Tianjin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Tianjin $37
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Tianjin $74
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Tianjin
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Tianjin? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Tianjin $39
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:
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $166
- Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $137
- Paradise Park Farm Entry Ticket with Transfer: $118
- Thrilling 2 Hour ATV Jungle with Hotel Transfer from Koh Samui: $88
- Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $75
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $68
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $68
- Smooth Koh Phangan to Phuket Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $66
- Koh Samui Beginner Friendly Jungle Treetop Zipline with Transfers: $64
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $61
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $60
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing: $228
- Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels: $225
- Private Transfer from Tianjin International Airport to Beijing Downtown: $208
- Private One Way Tianjin Port Transfer to Beijing including Great Wall Sightseeing: $198
- Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
- Tianjin Port Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $192
- Private Tianjin Port Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $178
- Private Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall from Tianjin City: $178
- Private Tianjin Port Transfer: Between Beijing to Tianjin Port: $160
- Private Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Great Wall of China with Beijing Drop-Off: $146
- Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
- Tianjin Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Pass and Eastern Qing Tombs: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Tianjin?
Prices for flights to both Tianjin 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 $38Tianjin $38
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:
- Koh Samui Local Market Hin Ta Hin Yai and Beach Dinner: $36
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Class | Farm to Table: $82
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $85
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $86
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $110
- 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Tianjin $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: $88
- 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui: $110
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $58
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $120
- 3 Hour ATV Secret Waterfall Adventure in Koh Samui: $110
- 4 Hour Ultimate ATV Jungle Tour in Koh Samui Lunch Included: $140
- 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
- Amazing Koh Samui "Must Visit" Private Tour: $177
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- 4-Hour Shore Excursion: Tianjin City Highlights and Binhai Bullet Train Experience: $259
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Porcelain House with Bullet Train Experience: $240
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $258
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
- From Beijing: Tianjin Highlights Day Tour by High-Speed Rail: $289
- Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
- Private Great Wall Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $248
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $169
- Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
- Private Tianjin Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall with Flexible Departure Time: $258
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.21Tianjin $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Tianjin, we can see that Tianjin 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 Tianjin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tianjin 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 Tianjin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Tianjin?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Tianjin, 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 Tianjin?
Tianjin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samui experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tianjin in the Summer?
Both Tianjin and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
In the summer, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Tianjin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Tianjin averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Tianjin. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Tianjin 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tianjin in the Autumn?
Both Tianjin and Koh Samui during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Tianjin. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Tianjin fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Tianjin. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Tianjin 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tianjin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Tianjin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
Tianjin can get quite cold in the winter. Koh Samui is much warmer than Tianjin in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Tianjin fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Tianjin. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Tianjin -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Tianjin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Tianjin. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Koh Samui is much warmer than Tianjin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Tianjin averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than Tianjin. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Tianjin 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tianjin and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Tianjin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.