Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Guatemala City, 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 Guatemala City?
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.
Guatemala City
Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesGuatemala City Prices
Guatemala Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $131Guatemala City $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $131, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 Guatemala City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $61Guatemala City $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $122Guatemala City $48
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Guatemala City
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Guatemala City? 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 and Guatemala City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Guatemala City $6.27
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)$8.88
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotel and Vice Versa: $3.01
- Phuket Airport Private Transfer To or From All Phuket Hotels: $13
- Private Transfers to/from Phuket Intl. Airport(HKT): $14
- Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus): $14
- Phuket Private Transfer from/to Phuket Airport HKT (one way): $15
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $17
- Phuket Airport Arrival Transfer – Domestic & International: $18
- Phuket Private Transfer To or From Phuket Hotel by Van & WiFi: $19
- Phuket to Phuket Int Airport (HKT) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Phuket Int Airport (HKT) to Phuket - Arrival Private Transfer: $19
- Ferry Ticket & Transfer between Phuket and Phi Phi Island: $20
- Private PHUKET Arrival Transfer - Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotels: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- Airport Transfer Antigua: $70
- Airport Transfer for Large Groups – Private Bus: $195
- Arrival Transfer: Guatemala City Airport to Hotels: $20
- Departure Transfer: Guatemala City Hotels to Airport: $20
- From Guatemala City One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey: $49
- From One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $59
- Guatemala Airport (GUA) to San Felipe de Lara - Arrival Transfer: $179
- Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
- Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Arrival Transfer: $160
- One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
- One way private transfer to Antigua: $69
- One way shared transfer to Panajachel: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Guatemala City?
Prices for flights to both Guatemala City 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 $41Guatemala City $27
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)$8.56
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.03
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.67
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Bananas$0.74
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Pizza (for Two)$8.88
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: $27
- Authentic Peranakan Cooking Class & Tasting Menu in Phuket: $29
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Phuket with Dinner at Promthep Cape: $51
- 3-Hour Authentic Thai Cooking Experience: $51
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $52
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Phuket Coral Island & Sunset Dinner Cruise by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Simply Thai Cooking Experience: $55
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $55
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Guatemala: Wine and Pizza Tasting Experience: $35
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $80
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
- Food Tour Zona 4: Dinner Date Experience: $125
- Pacaya Volcano Private Tour: Nature, Adventure and Pizza: $175
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $195
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza with Great Volcano Views: $205
- Pacaya Volcano. Tour and pizza making on Volcanic Heat: $275
- Puerto Quetzal: Private Tour Pacaya Volcano 4x4 and Pizza: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $46Guatemala City $1.23
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$27
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$74
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Thai Oil Massage$19
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Surfboard Rental$8.88
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $6.05
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.60
- Phuket Tour with Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Old Town: $15
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $16
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $16
- Phuket Circus : The Adrenaline Rush Show Tickets (Aqua Circus): $16
- Ultimate Virtual Reality Gaming Park Ticket at VAR Live in Phuket: $17
- Rock Beach Swing Ticket with Karon Viewpoint in Phuket: $18
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $18
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $20
- Phuket Nightlife Tour, Free Entry Bar and Club Crawl: $20
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $20
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City: $20
- Historic Center Walking Tour; Art and History: $27
- Volcano-Grown Coffee Tasting Experience: $28
- Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour: $34
- Walking Tour of Guatemala City's Historical Center: $35
- Walking Tour: $35
- Guatemala city walking tour everyday 2 persons and up: $39
- Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $40
- Guatemala City Express: Half-day city tour: $45
- Antigua Guatemala Express Half Day Colonial Charm Tour: $45
- City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
- Heart of Guatemala City Tour with Local Guide: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $6.90Guatemala City $6.95
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)$5.92
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Beer$2.52
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: $21
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $40
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $52
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $85
- Half Day Rum Distillery Tour & Sunset Viewpoint: $95
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery: $106
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $131
Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City
Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Guatemala City, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket is in Asia and Guatemala City is in Central America, 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 Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Guatemala City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Guatemala City?
Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Guatemala City, 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.