Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra or Koh Samui?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Koh Samui can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Koh Samui?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Koh Samui $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $55. 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 Petra and Koh Samui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Koh Samui $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Koh Samui $48
Compare Hotels in Petra and Koh Samui
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Koh Samui? 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Koh Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Koh Samui $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
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$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $15
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Koh Samui Airport by Car: $20
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Koh Samui?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui and Petra 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 dayPetra $38Koh Samui $19
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300
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)$5.86
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:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Koh Samui $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Koh Samui $4.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Koh Samui, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Koh Samui is in Asia, 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 Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra than you might in Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Koh Samui Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Koh Samui?
Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Koh Samui, 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.
When is the best time to visit Petra or Koh Samui?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Petra or Koh Samui in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Koh Samui. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Koh Samui. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Koh Samui in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Petra or Koh Samui in the Autumn?
Both Koh Samui and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Petra is a little warmer than Koh Samui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Koh Samui 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Petra or Koh Samui in the Winter?
Both Koh Samui and Petra during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. Petra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Samui. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Petra is generally cooler than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Koh Samui 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Petra or Koh Samui in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Petra is around the same temperature as Koh Samui in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Petra
| Petra | Koh Samui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
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.