Which place is cheaper, Auckland 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 Auckland?
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 Auckland 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 Auckland?
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."
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesAuckland Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $68Auckland $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $167. 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 Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Auckland $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Auckland $194
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Auckland? 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: Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Auckland $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $86
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $38
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.26
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Airport Shuttle$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Hobbiton Private Transfers with Group Tour: $516
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport /City to Rotorua: $296
- Auckland Airport Premium Private Golf Transfer To Te Arai Links: $296
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Raglan Beach: $278
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Matakana: $267
- Premium Transfer From Auckland Airport To Omaha And Snells Beach: $237
- Auckland Airport to Whangaparaoa - Gulf Harbour Luxury Transfers: $225
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $213
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Morrinsville: $201
- Private Transfer From Cruise Ship To Auckland Airport: $178
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Thames: $178
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland 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 $27Auckland $45
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$4.51
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: $51
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $101
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.47Auckland $27
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $31
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan: $68
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $76
- Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Adventure from Khao Sok: $94
- Cheow Lan Lake and Raft House Day Tour from Khao Sok: $90
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui: $63
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $121
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $78
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $55
- Khao Sok Lake Overnight Superior Group Tour with Meals Included: $155
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$32
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$117
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $217
- 2025 Award Winning: Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $85
- 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $15
- Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $118
- All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour: $41
- Amazing Auckland City Half Day Guided Tour: $106
- America's Cup Sailing Experience on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour: $124
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122
- Auckland Airport To Ports Of Auckland Private Highlights Tour: $237
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.46Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $118
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $184
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $237
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
- Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Auckland?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 417910 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Auckland, 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 Surat Thani or Auckland?
Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Auckland in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Auckland. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Auckland in the Winter?
Both Auckland and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Auckland in the Spring?
Both Auckland and Surat Thani during the spring 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 Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.