Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui or Petra?
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 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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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesKoh Samui Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Koh Samui $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $76. 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 $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Koh Samui $50
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 $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Fast and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Ma’in Hot Springs: $180
- Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations By Minivan: $160
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
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$2.28
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Gas for Scooter$1.22
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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$3.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $14
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Koh Samui Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet: $17
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui hotels to Ko Samui Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $19
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 $66Koh Samui $37
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.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
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)$6.54
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
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $78
- Thai Cooking Class | Farm to Table: $78
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $78
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $80
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $86
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $109
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $112
- Koh Samui Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Koh Samui $12
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:
- 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- From Petra : Wadi Rum Private 8 - hours roundtrip tour .: $190
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
- Half-Day Private Indiana Jones Petra Back Road Trial Tour: $165
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Petra Highlights Guided Golf Cart Tour with Hotel Pickup: $169
- Private 2-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $210
- Private 3-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $270
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.02
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $14
- Paris Follies Cabaret Evening Entertainment Ticket from Koh Samui: $20
- Create Your Own Crystal Aroma Oil Ritual Experience: $20
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Half Day Island Guided Tour: $23
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $25
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Koh Samui $5.16
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.