Which place is cheaper, Nanjing 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 Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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 Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Nanjing $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Nanjing? 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 $12Nanjing $39
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)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $133
- Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $118
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $114
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $130
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer : $42
- Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer : $127
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $43
- Departure Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $118
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $123
- Freedom Party Boat Cruise By HYPE Boat Club Phuket - Include Pickup Transfer: $152
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $47
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing to Hangzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $52
- Nanjing to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $43Nanjing $49
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)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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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.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Phuket Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $55
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $57
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $58
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $59
- Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour: $61
- Choose Your Own Dishes: Half-Day Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Nanjing $9.41
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$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.90
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket City Tour with Pickup Option: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity : $16
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $16
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $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
- Exclusive Jurassic Mini-Golf Ticket at Dino Park Phuket: $23
- Patong Beach Water Sports Adventure from Phuket: $24
- Athena Cabaret Show Admission Ticket in Phuket: $25
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Nanjing $9.61
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)$6.28
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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
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $111
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Nanjing, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Nanjing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanjing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanjing 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 Nanjing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Nanjing in the Summer?
Both Nanjing and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Nanjing in the Autumn?
Both Nanjing 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.
In the autumn, Phuket is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Nanjing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Phuket usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Phuket is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Nanjing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Nanjing. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Phuket is much warmer than Nanjing in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Nanjing. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Phuket
| Phuket | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (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.