Which place is cheaper, Mount Everest 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 Mount Everest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Mount Everest, 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 Mount Everest?
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.
Mount Everest
More commonly known as Mount Everest, Qomolangma is the highest mountain in the world with a peak reaching 8,848 meters above sea level. Pilgrims trek long distances to worship its divine aura, climbing enthusiasts run great risks to challenge its high altitude, and visitors from all over come to see where the tallest reaches of earth meet the heavens.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kathmandu, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pokhara.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesMount Everest Prices
Nepal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $134Mount Everest $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $134, while the average daily cost in Mount Everest is $52. 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 Mount Everest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $62Mount Everest $6.04
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $124Mount Everest $12
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Mount Everest
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Mount Everest? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Mount Everest -
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 Airport Transfer (SHA Plus): $15
- Phuket Private Transfer from/to Phuket Airport HKT (one way): $16
- One Way Cruise Transfer from Phuket to Phi Phi – Multiple Classes: $17
- Phuket Airport Arrival Transfer – Domestic & International: $19
- Phuket Private Transfer To or From Phuket Hotel by Van & WiFi: $19
- Phuket Int Airport (HKT) to Phuket - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
- Phuket Hotel to Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $22
- Private PHUKET Arrival Transfer - Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotels: $22
- Phuket Hotel to Airport Shared Arrival Transfer: $22
- Private Transfer from Phuket city hotels to Phuket Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Phuket Cruise Port to Phuket city hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport (HKT) to Phuket Cruise Port: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Mount Everest?
Prices for flights to both Mount Everest 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 $42Mount Everest $40
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $47Mount Everest $16
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:
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $6.21
- Phuket Self Guided Island Tour: $8.15
- Phuket Tour with Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Old Town: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity: $16
- Phuket Circus : The Adrenaline Rush Show Tickets (Aqua Circus): $17
- Ultimate Virtual Reality Gaming Park Ticket at VAR Live in Phuket: $18
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $18
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $19
- Phuket City Discovery Tour with Chalong Temple and Coastal Views: $19
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $20
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.08Mount Everest -
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 Mount Everest, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Mount Everest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Everest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Everest 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 Mount Everest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Mount Everest Expensive?.
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.