A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Udaipur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samui or Udaipur?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Koh Samui or Udaipur? 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 Udaipur?

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.

Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.

The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.

Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.

Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.

Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.

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 India, and The Best Adventure Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Udaipur 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $76, while the average daily cost in Udaipur is $36. 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 Udaipur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samui $25
    Udaipur $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samui $50
    Udaipur $28
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Udaipur

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Udaipur? 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.

Hotels in Koh Samui


Hotels in Udaipur


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 Udaipur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samui $19
    Udaipur $6.27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:


  • Scooter Rental
    $2.28
  • Gas for Scooter
    $1.22
  • Airport Taxi
    $13
  • Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach
    $13
  • 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:

  • ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $112
  • Angthong Catamaran Tour from Koh Samui with Lunch and Transfers: $77
  • Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $21
  • Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: $26
  • Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $60
  • Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $49
  • Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $35
  • Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
  • Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $61
  • Koh Phangan to Krabi Hassle Free Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $52
  • Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $56
  • Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:

  • Private Transfer From Udaipur To Jodhpur Via Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur Jain Temple: $223
  • Private Transfer from Udaipur to Jodhpur with Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur: $213
  • Private Transfer from Udaipur to Ahmedabad Airport: $200
  • Private One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Delhi: $157
  • Jagmandir Island And Sunset Boat Ride On Lake Pichola, Udaipur Without Transfers: $134
  • From Jaisalmer : Private One Way Udaipur Transfer in AC Car: $134
  • Private Transfer From Udaipur to Jaipur: $125
  • Private A/c Transfer Udaipur To Mount Abu ( 6 Seat A/c Suv ): $109
  • Private One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Ranthmbore: $108
  • Udaipur, The City of Lakes - A Heritage Walk with private transfers: $105
  • Smooth Departure Transfer by Car from Udaipur to Ahmadabad: $100
  • One way City Transfer To/From Udaipur and Jaipur: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Udaipur?

Prices for flights to both Udaipur 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 day
    Koh Samui $37
    Udaipur $17
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.54

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Udaipur.

  • Enjoyable,homely & mom 's delicious cooking classes: $14
  • Durga Cooking Class: $15
  • Jag Mandir Island Dinner with Boat Ride transfers: $114
  • Dinner at Jag Mandir Island with Boat Ride on Lake Pichola - Udaipur: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samui $12
    Udaipur $6.35

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 Udaipur

Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Palace Entrance Fee
    $1.06
  • Lake Boat Tour
    $2.12

Tours and Activities in Udaipur

Here are a few actual costs in Udaipur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Travel With Chinmay"- Ekling JI - Nagda Temple Tour With Taxi: $119
  • 3 Days Private Udaipur City Tour With Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Jain Temple: $125
  • 3 Night 4 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour: $135
  • 4 Night 5 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour: $155
  • 6 Night 7 Days Udaipur,Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour From Udaipur: $275
  • 7 - Days Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur Tour: $704
  • 8-Day Rajasthan Tour: Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Jaipur: $247
  • A Day Tour of Ranakpur Temple & Kumbhalgarh Fort from Udaipur: $54
  • Agra: Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh Sunset Viewpoint Tour: $14
  • Arawali Hiking Experience: $55
  • Authentic Experience-City palace and Folk dance: $55
  • Chittorgarh Fort Tours By Private Car: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samui $5.16
    Udaipur $7.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur

Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Udaipur: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Udaipur, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Udaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Udaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Udaipur 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 Udaipur.

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 Udaipur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Udaipur?

Udaipur has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Udaipur, 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.