Which place is cheaper, Kaikoura or Nakhon Ratchasima?
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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Kaikoura?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Kaikoura, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Nakhon Ratchasima or Kaikoura?
Nakhon Ratchasima
If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island, situated between Christchurch and Belnheim. It has a permanent resident population of 1,971. The Seaward Kaikoura Mountains that surround this town collide with the Pacific Ocean, and the continental shelf edge is just offshore. The ocean in Kaikoura is very rich in marine life, especially seals and whales.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.
-
Nakhon Ratchasima Prices
Thailand PricesKaikoura Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $58Kaikoura $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58, while the average daily cost in Kaikoura is $162. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Kaikoura in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $22Kaikoura $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $44Kaikoura $96
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Kaikoura
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Kaikoura? 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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices and Kaikoura Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19Kaikoura $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
-
Tuk Tuk$1.57
-
Bus to Vientiane$1.57
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Kaikoura?
Prices for flights to both Kaikoura and Nakhon Ratchasima 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $30Kaikoura $65
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68Kaikoura $152
Tours and Activities in Kaikoura
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kaikoura are as follows:
- Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour: $79
- 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura : $245
- 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura : $233
- From Christchurch: Private Kaikoura Tour with Guide: $161
- Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura: $112
- Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $242
- Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch: $216
- 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour: $776
- Guided Family Kayaking Adventure: $94
- Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour: $94
- Private Guided Kayak Tour with Seals: $176
- Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour: $81
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNakhon Ratchasima $12Kaikoura -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nakhon Ratchasima is in Asia and Kaikoura is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura than you might in Nakhon Ratchasima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive? and Is Kaikoura Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Kaikoura?
Kaikoura has a larger population, and is about 690 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Kaikoura, 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.