Which place is cheaper, Kunming or Pattaya?
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 Pattaya or Kunming?
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 Kunming 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 Kunming?
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.
Kunming
Kunming, located in southern China, is the modern capital city of the Yunnan province. It is a transportation hub for visitors entering the region, and good transfer point to just about everywhere else in the province by train or bus. Within the city itself there are many things to see and do with a full range of parks and zoos, museums, temples, theatres, and scenic areas.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Pattaya Prices
Thailand PricesKunming Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $93Kunming $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Kunming is $85. 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 Kunming in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $27Kunming $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $54Kunming $66
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Kunming
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Kunming? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $13Kunming $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Paramotor Experience in Pattaya Include Pickup Transfer: $216
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $206
- Full-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $205
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Cruise Port to Bangkok hotels: $155
- Private Transfer from Pattaya to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Port to D.Mueang Airport (DMK): $155
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Cruise Port to Bangkok City : $140
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang Port to D. Mueang Airport(DMK): $140
- Half-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $139
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $124
- Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $124
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kunming
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Kunming:
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Taxi Ride$1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kunming
Also for Kunming, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kunming Private Round Trip Transfer to Fuxianhu Lake: $90
- Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pickup: $83
- Kunming Airport Private Transfer - Charge by Vehicle: $48
- [Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Kunming?
Prices for flights to both Kunming 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 $43Kunming $39
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 with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $45
- Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $54
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $54
- Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $60
- All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kunming
For Kunming, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Discovery more Kunming evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $24Kunming $18
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Andamanda Waterpark Phuket Ticketed Fun: $53
- Private Wachira Benchathat Tour with Transportation: $287
- 1 Hour ATV Off Road Adventure In Pattaya: $72
- 6 Hour Private Selfie City Tour in the Landmark of Pattaya: $102
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $39
- Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya Admission Ticket: $50
- Alcazar Cabaret Show Tickets: $50
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $49
- Art In Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $12
- Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $9.34
- Art in Paradise Pattaya 3D Illusion Museum Ticket : $13
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $8.51
Tours and Activities in Kunming
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kunming.
- 1-Day Self-Guided Stone Forest Geological Park Tour from Kunming: $106
- Kunming Private Day Tour to Jiuxiang Cave with Boat Ride : $209
- 1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour: $290
- 1-Day Dongchuan Red Land Photography Private Tour from Kunming: $269
- 1-Day Kunming Scenery Tour: $122
- 1-Day Kunming tour with the Green Lake,Bird & Flower market and Yuantong Temple: $201
- 1-Day Private Tour:Stone Forest and Western Hill(Dragon Gate) from Kunming: $245
- 2 Days Kunming City Tour with Professional Private Tour Guide: $226
- All inclusive Dongchuan red earth tour start from Kunming: $150
- Dongchuan Red Land Private Tour: $123
- Essences of Kunming Downtown Day Tour: $189
- From 15-Day Private Tour to Guilin and Yangshuo: $3,149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $9.42Kunming $18
When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Kunming, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pattaya Expensive? and Is Kunming Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Kunming?
Kunming has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Kunming, 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.