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

Should you visit Phuket or Lombok?

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

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

Phuket

Phuket Island is the tourist mecca 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.

Lombok

Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Lombok or Phuket?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $106, while the average daily cost in Lombok is $53. 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 Lombok in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phuket $56
    Lombok $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phuket $112
    Lombok $58
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Lombok

Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Lombok? 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 Lombok


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 Lombok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phuket $11
    Lombok $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket

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


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $8.27
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $6.89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 7 Islands with Pickup and Transfer: $217
  • Phuket’s Top Tours DISCOUNTED with Private Airport Transfer : $211
  • Phuket any hotel to Koh lanta Private transfer: $167
  • Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $153
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $153
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $143
  • Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi: $141
  • Full Day Guided Banana Beach Paradise Trip With Lunch & Hotel Transfers: $123
  • Private Airport Arrival Transfer : Airport to Hotel in Krabi: $120
  • ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $119
  • Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi with 2h of Sightseeing: $115
  • Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer : $114

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok

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

  • Airport Transfer: Airport To Kuta/kuta To Airport: $27
  • Airport Transfer: Airport To Senggigi/senggigi To Airport: $70
  • Airport transfer from Lombok Airport to Kuta Mandalika : $23
  • Airport transfer from Lombok Airport to Selong Belanak: $33
  • Airport transfer from lombok Airport to Praya: $22
  • Airport transfer from lombok airport to Senaru rinjiani area: $76
  • Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $53
  • Gili Trawangan, Air, or 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali: $26
  • Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
  • Lombok Airport Transfer : $27
  • Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
  • Lombok Int. Airport LOP to Lombok - Arrival Private Transfer: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Lombok?

Prices for flights to both Lombok 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 $22
    Lombok $12
Typical Food Prices in Phuket

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


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $7.97
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.69
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.48
  • Bananas
    $0.69
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $8.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

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

  • Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $37
  • Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 3 Dishes Menu): $39
  • Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $44
  • Coral Island Trip & SunSet Dinner Cruise by Catamaran Yatch : $45
  • Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 4 Dishes Menu): $48
  • Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $51
  • Flavours of the South Food Tour: $52
  • Afternoon Cocktails or Dinner in the Sky: $53
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
  • Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
  • Siam Niramit Show with Dinner Phuket: $53
  • Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok

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

  • Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
  • Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
  • Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
  • Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
  • Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
  • Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phuket $43
    Lombok $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
    $25
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $69
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $18
  • Surfboard Rental
    $8.27

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
  • Amazing Krabi Private 1 day tour from Phuket by VAN: $224
  • James Bond Island Highlights Tour from Phuket with Lunch: $117
  • Khai Island Half Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket (SHA Plus): $62
  • Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Tour with Seaview Lunch from Phuket: $68
  • Phuket Night Food Walking tour : $90
  • Private Tour: Amazing Phuket Island Tour with Big Buddha : $67
  • Unseen Phuket Full Day Tour + Lunch : $155
  • Water Rafting 5 km Tour & ATV 1 hour - Real Adventure: $101
  • Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch: $122
  • Zipline Adventure 32 Platforms + Roller + Skywalk: $110
  • 2 Hours Phuket Old Town Street Food Walking Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Lombok

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.

  • Gili T Island: The Thrilling Sunset Snorkeling Adventure: $18
  • Lombok Private Custom Tour - Lombok Car Hire with Driver : $31
  • Lombok City Tour combination With Temple Tour : $49
  • Mataram Lombok Historical City tour: $49
  • Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
  • Private Lombok Hidden Beach Tour: Elak Elak, Sekotong, and Mekaki Beach: $50
  • Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
  • Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfall Trekking Tour: $55
  • One Day Tour Pink Beach East Lombok Excursion: $55
  • Snorkeling Tour to Amazing Coral Garden in South Gilies: $57
  • Daily Sasak Tour Lombok: $57
  • Private Lombok Cycling Tour : Lingsar Temple, Rice Field, Village & Market Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phuket $6.42
    Lombok $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)
    $5.51
  • Beer
    $2.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

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

  • Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
  • Pub Crawl Tour: $25
  • Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $79
  • Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $99
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213


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

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



When is the best time to visit Phuket or Lombok?

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 Lombok in the Summer?

Both Lombok and Phuket during the summer 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 Lombok year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Lombok. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Lombok in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Lombok fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Lombok 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Lombok in the Autumn?

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

December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Lombok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Lombok. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Phuket 27°C (81°F) 
    Lombok 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Lombok in the Winter?

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

Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Lombok. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Lombok. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun.

In January, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Lombok 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Phuket or Lombok in the Spring?

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

The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Lombok. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Lombok in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Phuket 29°C (84°F) 
    Lombok 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Lombok and Phuket

Phuket Lombok
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 27°C (81°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 28°C (82°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)