Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Phuket or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
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 G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
-
Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $132Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $132, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $61Guayaquil $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $122Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
-
Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.95
-
Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $78
- Zipline and ATV Skyline Adventure Phuket Include Pickup Transfer: $37
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NATAI BEACH: $56
- Thailand Private Airport Transfer Multi-City by Explera DMC: $43
- TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $34
- Speedboat Transfer From Phuket To Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi: $46
- Speedboat Racha and Coral Island Transfer and meals from Phuket: $69
- Sky Rock Khao Lak Jungle Zipline Adventure with Transfer: $56
- Simon Cabaret Show Phuket – Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $59
- Simon Cabaret Phuket with Round Trip Share Transfer: $25
- Shared Transfer from Phuket to Koh Tao by Coach and Catamaran: $59
- RoundTrip Transfer Phuket Airport to Talang, Kathu or Muang: $105
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Private Transfer: Guayaquil City to Guayaquil Airport: $48
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $38
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $19
- Guayaquil Departure Transfer: $34
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $20
- Guayaquil to Guayaquil Airport GYE Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Luxury VIP car transfers to hotels in Guayaquil and Ecuador: $30
- Private Transfer Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil by Car or Van: $48
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $229
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $253
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil city hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 dayPhuket $41Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$8.62
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.07
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
-
Thai Noodles$2.68
-
Bananas$0.75
-
Pizza (for Two)$8.95
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
- Authentic Peranakan Cooking Class & Tasting Menu in Phuket: $29
- Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour Option in Bang Tao Phuket: $47
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Phuket with Dinner at Promthep Cape: $52
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $53
- Phuket Coral Island & Sunset Dinner Cruise by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $56
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Half Day Coral Island Premium Yacht Tour with Sunset Dinner: $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Wagyu Cooking Class in Guayaquil: $135
- Cooking Class, Wine & Chocolate Experience: $174
- Half Day of Cooking and Chocolate at Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $175
- Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $200
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $46Guayaquil $21
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$27
-
Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$75
-
Thai Oil Massage$19
-
Surfboard Rental$8.95
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (Bookable Rows 1–3)Simon Cabaret Show Tickets in Patong Phuket: $25
- 1 Hour Phuket ATV on Tour + Big Buddha: $39
- 1-Hour Quad Bike ATV Ride – Ultimate Adventure: $59
- 12 Islands Overnight Tour: $201
- 2 Day Tour to James Bond Islands, Krabi and Phi Phi: $179
- 2 Hours ATV Riding in Phuket (Popular Tour): $99
- 3 Fun Dives King Cruiser Wreck and Koh DokMai for Certified diver: $168
- 3 Hour Zipline Adventure Park Experience: 65 Platforms: $105
- 3 Khai Islands Tour- Snorkel, Swim & Relax (Half or Full Day): $33
- 3-Dive Discover Scuba Diving Tour in Phuket for Beginners: $155
- 3-Island Speedboat Tour: Racha Noi, Racha Yai & Maiton: $111
- 4 Element Day with Zipline Adventure Expedition: $77
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cultural Tour of the Museums of Guayaquil: $35
- Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $50
- City Highlights Tour with Cable Car Ride: $58
- Half-Day City Tour—Iguana Park & Santa Ana Hill: $70
- Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana: $74
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Santa Ana: $74
- Private Guayaquil City Tour: $77
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana: $80
- City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $80
- Historic Walking Tour Through Time & Culture: $83
- Personalized City Tour with Guide: $90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $6.95Guayaquil $17
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)$5.97
-
Beer$2.54
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 and Lunch: $53
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $87
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $133
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting and 3-Course Pairing Menu in Guayaquil.: $86
- Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting: $428
When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Guayaquil, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Phuket is in Asia and Guayaquil is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Guayaquil, 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 Phuket or Guayaquil?
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 Phuket or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Guayaquil. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Guayaquil. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Phuket is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Phuket. Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guayaquil. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Phuket is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Phuket
| Phuket | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.