Which place is cheaper, Chengdu or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Chengdu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Chengdu, 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: Phuket or Chengdu?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $136Chengdu $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $136, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $70. 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 Phuket and Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $63Chengdu $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $126Chengdu $44
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Chengdu? 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: Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Chengdu $6.31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.21
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $17
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer: $158
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $132
- Airport Transfer BKK - DMK - UTP - HKT - USM - KBV: $69
- Airport Transfer: Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket by Business Car: $117
- Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $117
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $76
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $113
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $129
- Arrival Transfer Phuket Airport HKT to Talang, Kathu, Muang: $43
- Arrival Transfer: Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket by Business Car: $117
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Panda Base, city central with Round Airport Transfer: $240
- Airport transfer between Tianfu(TFU) and Chengdu downtown: $45
- Authentic Chengdu Dining Experience with with Private Transfers: $60
- Chengdu 3-Day Self-Guided Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong with Transfer: $412
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $62
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu city - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Chengdu Airport Private Transfer With English Speaking Driver: $35
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $230
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Chengdu Panda & Giant Buddha Day Tour With Private Transfer: $240
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $42Chengdu $40
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$8.87
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.22
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.76
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Bananas$0.77
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Pizza (for Two)$9.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
- Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $49
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $53
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $54
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $56
- Simply Thai Cooking Experience: $57
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- 成都蜀宴赋Han Culture Dinner Show in Chengdu: $28
- Chengdu Vegetarian Cooking Class at a Local Home: $39
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Chengdu Food Tour Local Delicacies and Ear Cleaning: $59
- Chengdu Hidden Street Food Tour Spice Trails: $60
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu Local Eats: $68
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals: $69
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $73
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
- Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $48Chengdu $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$77
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.21
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.85
- Phuket Tour with Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Old Town: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity: $16
- Phuket Circus : The Adrenaline Rush Show Tickets (Aqua Circus): $17
- Ultimate Virtual Reality Gaming Park Ticket at VAR Live in Phuket: $18
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $19
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $19
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $20
- VAR Live Phuket Virtual Reality Action and Adventure Games Ticket: $21
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $21
- Enjoy Comfortable Ferry Experience from Phuket to Phi Phi: $24
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bamboo Weaving Experience and Chengdu Wenshu Monastery: $5.00
- Free Walking Tour in Chengdu, Experience the city like a Local: $5.00
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Volunteer Day Trip: $9.50
- Chengdu Museum Tours & Tickets: $10
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Optional Private Tour: $14
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $14
- Chengdu Giant Panda Base Ticket: $15
- Chengdu Panda Base Tickets with Optional Private Tour Upgrade: $16
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Panda Base Tour with Guide Option: $17
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Ticket for Adult: $18
- Panda Breeding Base Tickets Booking: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.15Chengdu $4.18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.14
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Beer$2.61
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $19
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $53
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $88
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $135
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Evening Food and Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Chengdu, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket than you might in Chengdu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Chengdu?
Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Chengdu, 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.