Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Pattaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pattaya or El Nido?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and El Nido can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pattaya or El Nido?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
El Nido
El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $66El Nido $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $66, while the average daily cost in El Nido is $39. 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 Pattaya and El Nido in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $24El Nido $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $48El Nido $28
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and El Nido
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or El Nido? 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices and El Nido Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $12El Nido $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tiffany's Show Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $61
- The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $35
- The Sanctuary of Truth at Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $35
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $19
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Surat Thani Hotel Transfer: to/from Bangkok Hotel Transfer: $421
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $45
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $43
- Return hotel transfers to Gems Gallery Pattaya (Jewelry) : $2.13
- Ramayana Water Park Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $45
- Private U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya Airport Transfer to Pattaya City: $22
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $112
Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido
Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $140
- El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
- Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $36
- Private Transfer From El Nido Lio Airport To El Nido Hotels: $20
- El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or El Nido?
Prices for flights to both El Nido and Pattaya 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 dayPattaya $22El Nido $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
- Islands Hopping Tour by Catamaran with Dinner Buffet in Chon Buri: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $21El Nido $5.38
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Amazing Pattaya Experience Tour to All Famous Points in One Day: $53
- 2 Islands Full Day Tour Catamaran with Lunch in Pattaya: $103
- 3 Days Thailand Motorcycle Coastal Tour: $1,059
- 5 Days – Motorcycle tour to River Kwai and Khao Yai: $1,764
- A Superstar Model Experience in Pattaya with Photo Expert: $112
- ATV & Buggy Adventures Pattaya - Novice Rider 27km Basic Track: $99
- ATV & Buggy Off-Road Adventures in Pattaya: $97
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $33
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $42
- Amazing Discovery Pattaya Tours with Floating Market & Lunch : $75
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Tickets: $10
Tours and Activities in El Nido
For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch : $43
- El Nido Group Tour B - Cave Tour w/ Island Lunch: $47
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: $27
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrine: $29
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour C; Hidden Beach: $32
- El Nido Island Tour A w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $31
- El Nido Island Tour B w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $28
- El Nido Island Tour C w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $31
- El Nido Island Tour D w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $31
- El Nido Nacpan Day Tour: $63
- El Nido Palawan Private Tour C, with Lunch: $139
- El Nido Private Lagoon Tour - Tour A w/ Island Lunch: $139
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $8.18El Nido $8.36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and El Nido, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. And not only is El Nido much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Nido would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Nido 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 Pattaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pattaya than you might in El Nido.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pattaya Expensive? and Is El Nido Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or El Nido?
Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of El Nido. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and El Nido, 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.