Which place is cheaper, Taiyuan 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 Taiyuan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Taiyuan, 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 Taiyuan?
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.
Taiyuan
With sleek architectural designs and blossoming businesses, this metropolis is simply brimming with invigorating excitement and once-in-a-lifetime entertainment. Despite its glimmering skyscrapers and gorgeous fountains, Taiyuan, China has an extensive history of nearly 2,500 years. During ancient China, Taiyuan, or the "Dragon City," was a major military town. Presently, this city is now one of China's most important industrial cities, producing more than half of the national coal mining output. Taiyuan is both the capital and largest city of the Shanxi province of North China. It is bounded by mountains on three of its sides, allowing this great city to be surrounded by fantastic views of its landscape. Besides its economic significance, Taiyuan also achieves tourist significance due to its plethora of landmarks and sights. Some of these attractions include Jinci Temple, Forest Park, Mengshan Giant Buddha, and Shanxi Museum. Taiyuan is also celebrated internationally for holding their annual Shanxi Taiyuan International Folk Arts Festival, a celebration held in September that hosts exhibition of fine arts, painting, paper-cutting, sculpture, drama, acrobatic and the culture of costume. With such a great deal to do in such a limited window of time, it is best to make the most Taiyuan while you visit!
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 Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesTaiyuan Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $133Taiyuan $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $133, while the average daily cost in Taiyuan is $112. 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 Taiyuan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $61Taiyuan $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $122Taiyuan $90
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Taiyuan
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Taiyuan? 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 Taiyuan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Taiyuan $50
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)$9.01
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Krabi to Island Transfer & Private Phi Phi Tour: $401
- Phuket’s Must-Do Tours with Return Private Airport Transfers: $240
- Phuket Jet Ski Adventure and Island Hopping with Transfers: $226
- Phuket airport to Krabi Private transfer: $199
- Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $182
- Phuket any hotel to Koh lanta Private transfer: $176
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $164
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer: $152
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms with Transfer RoundTrips: $152
- Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket, Khao Lak and More: $143
- Phi Phi Khai and Bamboo Island Sunrise with Transfer from Phuket: $140
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotels: $136
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Taiyuan?
Prices for flights to both Taiyuan 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 $41Taiyuan $38
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)$8.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.11
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.70
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Bananas$0.75
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Pizza (for Two)$9.01
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: $27
- Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour Option in Bang Tao Phuket: $47
- Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $47
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $51
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $52
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $55
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Discounted Ticket to Phuket Siam Niramit Show with Dinner: $57
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $57
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $47Taiyuan $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)$75
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Thai Oil Massage$19
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Surfboard Rental$9.01
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Phuket Sightseeing Tour Without Shopping: $45
- 1 Hour Phuket ATV on Tour + Big Buddha: $43
- 1-Hour Quad Bike ATV Ride – Ultimate Adventure: $58
- 12 Islands Overnight Tour: $198
- 2 Day Tour to James Bond Islands, Krabi and Phi Phi: $176
- 2 Hours ATV Riding in Phuket (Popular Tour): $87
- 2x Snorkelling Phi Phi, Maiton, Maya Bay, khai islands tour: $70
- 3 Fun Dives King Cruiser Wreck and Koh DokMai for Certified diver: $165
- 3 Hour Zipline Adventure Park Experience: 65 Platforms: $103
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- 3 Khai Islands Tour- Snorkel, Swim & Relax (Half or Full Day): $32
- 3-Island Speedboat Tour: Racha Noi, Racha Yai & Maiton: $109
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.00Taiyuan $6.75
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)$6.01
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Beer$2.55
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: $21
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $52
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $85
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Taiyuan, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Taiyuan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taiyuan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taiyuan 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 Taiyuan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Taiyuan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Taiyuan?
Taiyuan has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Taiyuan, 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.