Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Jaisalmer, 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 Jaisalmer?
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.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
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 Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesJaisalmer Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $134Jaisalmer $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $134, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $41. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $62Jaisalmer $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $124Jaisalmer $24
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Jaisalmer
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Jaisalmer $11
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)$9.12
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Jet Ski Adventure and Island Hopping with Transfers: $233
- Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $187
- Phuket any hotel to Koh lanta Private transfer: $182
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $169
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer: $157
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms with Transfer RoundTrips: $156
- Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket, Khao Lak and More: $147
- Phi Phi Khai and Bamboo Island Sunrise with Transfer from Phuket: $144
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotels: $140
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $131
- Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $127
- Phuket Airport Transfers : Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT in Luxury Van: $127
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- Jaisalmer Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $8.15
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $55
- Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $50
- Jaiselmer to Bikaner drop Private Transfers Car service: $27
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $42
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $11
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Jaisalmer?
Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 $42Jaisalmer $21
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)$8.79
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.17
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.74
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Bananas$0.76
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Pizza (for Two)$9.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $49
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- 3-Hour Authentic Thai Cooking Experience: $53
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $53
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $56
- Simply Thai Cooking Experience: $56
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $58
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $59
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $62
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $62
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
- Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $24
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $29
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $30
- Half-Day Camel Tour with Dinner: $34
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $36
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Shahi Half day non touristic sand dune camel safari with dinner: $38
- Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $42
- Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $47Jaisalmer $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:
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One Day Boat Tour$27
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$76
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Thai Oil Massage$19
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Surfboard Rental$9.12
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Quad Bike ATV Ride – Ultimate Adventure: $59
- 2x Snorkelling Phi Phi, Maiton, Maya Bay, khai islands tour: $72
- 3 Fun Dives King Cruiser Wreck and Koh DokMai for Certified diver: $170
- 3 Hour Zipline Adventure Park Experience: 65 Platforms: $106
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- 3 Khai Islands Tour- Snorkel, Swim & Relax (Half or Full Day): $33
- 3-Dive Discover Scuba Diving Tour in Phuket for Beginners: $157
- 3-Island Speedboat Tour: Racha Noi, Racha Yai & Maiton: $112
- 4 Hours Jet Ski Experience Hopping To 9 Islands in Phuket: $261
- 4 Hours and 50km Jet Ski Tour to 6 Phuket Islands: $244
- 4 Waters Eco Adventure from Phuket Including Lunch: $155
- 4 Waters Eco Adventure from Phuket Including Lunch: $145
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.18
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- City Sightseeing with Experienced Guide: $3.16
- Agra: Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour w/Fatehpur Sikri: $4.50
- Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $5.43
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Fort Private Tour: $7.00
- Private Jaisalmer Fort & old city tour: $10
- Private Heritage Walking Tour in Jaisalmer Fort and Old Bazaar: $10
- Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $11
- Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $11
- Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $11
- Cultural & Heritage Trails of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
- 5.5 Hour City Walking Tour with a Guide: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.08Jaisalmer $8.18
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)$6.08
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Beer$2.58
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: $87
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $135
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Jaisalmer, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Jaisalmer Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Jaisalmer?
Phuket has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Jaisalmer, 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.