Which place is cheaper, Varanasi 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 Varanasi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Varanasi? 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 Varanasi?
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.
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesVaranasi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $75Varanasi $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $75, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is $31. 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 Varanasi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Varanasi $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Varanasi $28
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Varanasi
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Varanasi? 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 Varanasi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Varanasi $4.29
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$2.24
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Gas for Scooter$1.19
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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$3.58
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: $86
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $162
- The Jungle Club or The Roof Samui Table Reservation with Transfer: $92
- Smooth Koh Samui to Krabi Catamaran and Bus or Van Transfer: $46
- Smooth Koh Phangan to Phuket Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $58
- Samui: Full Moon Party by Speedboat transfer: $44
- Samui Zipline Adventure with Transfer service: $52
- Samui Michelin Guide Dining at Ban Suan Lung Khai and transfer: $91
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $9.00
- Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport: $37
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $66
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.83
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Rickshaw Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- Sunrise Boat Tour and Heritage Walk with transfers: $79
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including transfers: $77
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $68
- Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
- Airport Pickup/Drop Transfer Service: $53
- 3-hours Temple hopping with transfers: $35
- Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer To Hotel / To Airport: $21
- Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Varanasi?
Prices for flights to both Varanasi 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 $37Varanasi $11
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)$6.42
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
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $58
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $71
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $76
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $76
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $77
- Idyllic Half Day Sunset Cruise and Dinner in Koh Samui: $77
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Transfer: $78
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $79
- Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Micro Organic Garden: $81
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$3.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: Highlights Tour with Tasting &Sunset in Varanasi: $14
- Cooking Class with Sona: $29
- Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner: $29
- Ganga Aarti with Street Food Tour of Varanasi: $40
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Shobha: $40
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Traditional Indian Cooking Class with Dinner: $42
- Private Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings & Pickup: $44
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $44
- Dashashwamedh Ganga Arati from balcony with Street Food Tour: $50
- Indian Cooking Class with Hotel Pickup: $52
- Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Varanasi $9.11
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui: $97
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $56
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $106
- 3 Hour ATV Secret Waterfall Adventure in Koh Samui: $107
- 3.5-Hour Koh Phangan ATV Jungle Adventure with Viewpoints: $135
- 4 Hour Ultimate ATV Jungle Tour in Koh Samui Lunch Included: $138
- 4WD Jungle Safari Tour in Koh Samui with Lunch: $49
- 4X4 Tour around the Island: $61
- 6 Hours Elephant Care and Jungle Tour by 4WD in Koh Samui: $61
- ATV 1.5 Hours Jungle Safari Tour On Koh Phangan: $67
- ATV Jungle & Mountain Trails 30-Min Off-Road Adventure Koh Samui: $51
- Adventure Kayaking at Angthong Marine Park: $113
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.73
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 08 Hours : Private - Full Day City Tour Of Delhi: $53
- 08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur: $90
- 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi: $189
- 2 Days Varanasi City Tour with Evening Aarti and Boat Ride: $100
- 2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $135
- 2 Night 3 Days Spiritual Varanasi with Cruise Ride: $233
- 2-Day Varanasi Experience – Temples, Ghats & Ganga Aarti: $140
- 2-Day Varanasi Heritage & Tradition Guided Tour: $156
- 2-Day Experience Sunrise Boat Ride & Evening Aarti: $317
- 3 Day Varanasi Ganga Aarti Tour with Sarnath Buddhist Temple: $144
- 3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided: $117
- 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.07Varanasi $6.81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Varanasi, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Varanasi.
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 Varanasi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Varanasi?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Varanasi, 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.