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

Should you visit Phuket or Havana?

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

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

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phuket $64
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phuket $128
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Havana? 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 Havana


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phuket $12
    Havana $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:

  • Hanuman World Phuket Round Trip Transfer Extra Zone: $95
  • Lion Land Phuket Entry Ticket with Private Hotel Transfer: $69
  • Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
  • Ziplines 30 platforms & Private Transfer RoundTrips: $94
  • (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $11
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + Zipline Adventure 35 platforms with meal and Free Transfer : $160
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $160
  • ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $135
  • Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $84
  • Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $116
  • Andamanda Water Park Phuket Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $75
  • Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $18
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: $54
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
  • Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
  • Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $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

Typical Food Prices in Havana

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


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phuket $49
    Havana $11
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:

  • Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $4.75
  • Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $8.05
  • Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
  • Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $17
  • Aquaria Phuket Tickets and 4D Trickeye Museum Combo Deal: $17
  • Aquaria Phuket and 4D Trickeye Museum Experience Ticket: $17
  • Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
  • Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
  • Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
  • Patong Beach Parasailing and Jet Skiing Experience Shared: $22

Tours and Activities in Havana

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

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phuket $7.32
    Havana $5.76
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Havana, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket is in Asia and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Phuket or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Havana, 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 Havana?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Havana. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Phuket is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Phuket during the autumn 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 Havana year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Phuket 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Phuket is the dry season. In January, Phuket usually receives more rain than Havana. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Phuket is a little warmer than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Havana. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Phuket is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Phuket 29°C (84°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Phuket

Phuket Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)