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 $136Nanjing $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $136, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $124. 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 $63Nanjing $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $126Nanjing $98
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 $41
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)$9.21
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $17
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer: $158
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $132
- Airport Transfer BKK - DMK - UTP - HKT - USM - KBV: $69
- Airport Transfer: Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket by Business Car: $117
- Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $117
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $76
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $113
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $129
- Arrival Transfer Phuket Airport HKT to Talang, Kathu, Muang: $43
- Arrival Transfer: Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket by Business Car: $117
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Nanjing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $67
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $123
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45
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 $42Nanjing $52
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)$8.87
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.22
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.76
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Bananas$0.77
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Pizza (for Two)$9.21
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
- Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $49
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $53
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $54
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $56
- Simply Thai Cooking Experience: $57
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $59
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
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
- Nanjing Private Tour: Ming Mausoleum, Night View & Local Dinner: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $48Nanjing $9.92
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)$77
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.21
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
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.85
- 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: $19
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $19
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $20
- VAR Live Phuket Virtual Reality Action and Adventure Games Ticket: $21
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $21
- Enjoy Comfortable Ferry Experience from Phuket to Phi Phi: $24
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
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way: $109
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour: $109
- Nanjing Private Night Tour: Confucian Temple Area, Ming City Wall, Laomendong: $116
- Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
- Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.15Nanjing $10
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)$6.14
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Beer$2.61
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: $88
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $135
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Nanjing, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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.