A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. El Nido for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Phuket or El Nido?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or El Nido, 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 El Nido?

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.

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 in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Phuket?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in El Nido is $47. 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 El Nido in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phuket $64
    El Nido $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phuket $128
    El Nido $28
Compare Hotels in Phuket and El Nido

Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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.

Hotels in Phuket


Hotels in El Nido


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 and El Nido Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phuket $12
    El Nido $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $9.42
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $7.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NATAI BEACH: $48
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket HTL-APT (HKT): $28
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket APT-HTL (HKT): $28
  • Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak Hotel : $79
  • TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $35
  • TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to LAGUNA Beach Area (SHA Plus): $29
  • TAXI AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $30
  • Speedboat transfer to island service.: $38
  • Speedboat Racha and Coral Island Transfer and meals from Phuket: $61
  • Simon Cabaret Show Phuket – Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $59
  • Simon Cabaret Show – Phuket’s Glamorous Night Out with Transfers: $67
  • Similan Islands One Day Tour From Phuket Include Lunch & Pickup Transfer: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido

Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
  • El Nido Big Lagoon and Tropical Island Private Tour with Transfer: $179
  • El Nido Tour C with Lunch and Transfers: $44
  • El Nido Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $44
  • El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $12
  • Island Hopping TOUR A with Lunch, Transfer & EDTF: $53
  • Island Hopping Tour B Snake Island with transfer: $39
  • Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $35
  • To Puerto Princesa 1-Way Shared Van Transfer: $14
  • Private Transfer from El Nido to Port Barton Palawan: $170
  • Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or El Nido?

Prices for flights to both El Nido 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Phuket $43
    El Nido $20
Typical Food Prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $9.08
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.34
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $13
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.83
  • Bananas
    $0.79
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.

  • Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
  • Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
  • Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
  • Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
  • Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
  • Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
  • Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
  • Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
  • Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in El Nido

For El Nido, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • El Nido, Sibaltan: Family Dinner, Bonfire and Karaoke: $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phuket $49
    El Nido $5.34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket

Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • One Day Boat Tour
    $28
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $79
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $20
  • Surfboard Rental
    $9.42

Tours and Activities in Phuket

Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
  • Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
  • Best of Phi Phi Island Adventure Day Tour with Lunch from Phuket: $50
  • Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
  • Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
  • James Bond Island Adventure Full Day Speedboat/Big Boat Phuket : $63
  • Patong Trolley Tours: $55
  • Phi Phi Islands Premium Speedboat Adventure Day Tour from Phuket: $67
  • Phuket Night Food Walking tour : $106
  • Phuket Scenic Horseback Riding Adventure : $70
  • Phuket Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation: $172
  • Aeolos Catamaran Tour to Coral & Racha Islands + Lunch: $80

Tours and Activities in El Nido

For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A w/BUFFET LUNCH: $21
  • Tour D with Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach & More: $21
  • El Nido Island Tour A: $21
  • Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando): $21
  • El Nido Island Tour D: $21
  • Big Lagoon Kayaking & Island Adventure: $22
  • Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches: $22
  • Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D: $23
  • Tour B with Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, and More: $24
  • Shared El Nido Tour A: $24
  • El Nido Island Tour B: $24
  • El Nido:Private Tour D with Highlights Small & Cadlao Lagoon: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phuket $7.32
    El Nido $8.31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:


  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $6.28
  • Beer
    $2.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
  • Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
  • Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
  • Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
  • Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and El Nido, we can see that Phuket 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 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 El Nido.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is El Nido Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Phuket or El Nido?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of El Nido. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
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