Which place is cheaper, Udaipur or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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.
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, 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Udaipur is $33. 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.
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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Udaipur.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Udaipur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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?.
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.