Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Surat Thani?
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 Surat Thani or Airlie Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Airlie Beach can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Airlie Beach?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, in Queensland, offers the closest port to the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It's a small town of only 25,000 and has grown out of the area's popularity as a tourist destination. It's main industry remains tourism and, as such, there are many venues set up to accommodate travelers hoping to make trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The town has the feel of a vacation destination. While in the past Airlie Beach appealed specifically to the backpacker crowd, it's popularity has spread and now there are facilities catering to all travel types. The area has become more commercialized and there are plenty of large resorts to choose from. Even so, you'll still find no shortage of affordable accommodation around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesAirlie Beach Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $69Airlie Beach $174
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $69, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $174. 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 Surat Thani and Airlie Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Airlie Beach $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Airlie Beach $124
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Airlie Beach
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Airlie Beach? 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: Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Airlie Beach $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:
- Private Transfer to/from Shute Harbour: $169
- Private Transfer to/from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $155
- Airport Transfer to Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $39
- One Way Airport Transfer: Proserpine-Airlie Beach (or vice versa): $20
- Whitsundays: Airport Transfer to/from Airlie Beach: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Airlie Beach?
Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $27Airlie Beach $58
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $49
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $52
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
- Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
- Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
- Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
- Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.
- 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.54Airlie Beach $170
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Koh Samui: Minigolf International Entry Ticket: $12
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $21
- Koh Tao: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pick-up: $25
- Koh Tao: Half-Day Sunset Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $26
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $32
- Koh Tao: 5-Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos: $34
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $35
- Koh Pha Ngan: Options Discover of ATV or Zipline Adventures: $48
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $48
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $48
- Koh Phangan: Thong Nai Pan & Than Sadet 4x4 Jungle Adventure: $54
Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:
- Airlie Beach : Swimming Hole & Cultural Eco Experience: $86
- Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Guided Night Tour: $77
- Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $70
- Airlie Beach Glass bottom boat Scenic Sunset Tour: $70
- Airlie Beach Jet Ski Tours: $172
- Airlie Beach Sightseeing & Coastal 3 hr Highlights Tour: $66
- Airlie Beach Sightseeing Explorer- 3 hr Snaphots & highlights: $92
- Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise: $53
- 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $52
- Adults-Only Whitehaven Beach Sailing Tour: $197
- Airlie Adventure Jet Ski Tour: $161
- Bowen Beaches & Hidden Secrets Day Tour: $121
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.53Airlie Beach $9.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Airlie Beach
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Airlie Beach:
- Whitsundays: Distillery, Brewery & Beach Bar Tour: $107
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surat Thani is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach than you might in Surat Thani.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Airlie Beach?
Airlie Beach has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Airlie Beach in the Summer?
Both Airlie Beach and Surat Thani during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
Airlie Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Airlie Beachin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Airlie Beach 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Airlie Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Airlie Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.
Airlie Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Airlie Beach in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Airlie Beach. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Airlie Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Airlie Beachin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Airlie Beach 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Airlie Beach in the Spring?
Both Airlie Beach and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
In April, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Airlie Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 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.