Which place is cheaper, Bali or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Bali?
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 Bali 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 Bali?
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."
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Bali $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Bali is $73. 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 Bali in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Bali $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Bali $84
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Bali
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Bali? 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: Bali Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Bali $9.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $109
- BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $103
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Drive Your Own Jet Ski Without Instructor With Private Transfer: $85
- Unforgettable Batur Volcano Hiking With Private Transfer: $85
- Batur Volcano Jeep Tour Include Private Transfer: $80
- Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Horse Riding on the Black Sand Beach and Free Hotel Transfers: $74
- Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $66
- Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $64
- Ubud: Sky Bike and Jungle Swing Experience with Transfer: $63
- Bali to/from Gili Gede: Fast Boat (Optional Bali Transfer): $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Bali?
Prices for flights to both Bali 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 $14Bali $21
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$4.09
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:
- Khao Sok: Elephant Day Care, Cooking Class, & Bamboo Raft: $71
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.24
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$27
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Lunch for Two$8.07
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Lunch for 2$8.93
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Dinner for 2$9.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $28
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $30
- Uluwatu Temple Kecak And Dinner Half Day Private Guided Tour: $30
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
- Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
- Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Bali $11
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Pick up and drop off tourists around Koh Samui: $14
- The one and only Zipline Experience of Lamai Viewpoint: $38
- Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
- Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
- Koh Samui: Unique Iocal Tour & Elephant Sanctuary with lunch: $65
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
- X Quad Novice Waterfall ATV Tour (1 Driver): $76
- Koh Samui: Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary Half-Day Tour: $81
- Samui Dolphins Tour by Catamaran Yacht: $87
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
- Samui X Quad ATV Tour (1 Driver) with lunch: $122
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$54
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Snorkelling Trip$12
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Cooking School$28
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- ATV Rafting Jungle Swing Private Guided Tour : $63
- Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $47
- Lembongan Snorkeling and Island Tour: $80
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive): $129
- Private Tour Bali Bird Park And Ubud Tour: $110
- Private Tours Tegenungan Waterfall Ubud Palace & Market: $80
- Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
- White Water Rafting Adventure at Telaga Waja River : $43
- (BCR Rafting) Rafting Adventure in Telaga Waja River 18km: $55
- 2 Day Tours Ubud Art Village, Dance And Other Tourist Attractions: $186
- 2 Days Private Tours : Watersport And Uluwatu Temple: $124
- 2-Hour Private Luxury Spa Experience Bali Aromatherapy Massage: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Bali $3.20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Bali, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali 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 Bali Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Bali?
Bali has a larger population, and is about 405920 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Bali, 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 Bali?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Bali in the Summer?
Both Bali 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.
April to September is the dry season in Bali. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Bali in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Bali. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Bali. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Bali in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Bali. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.
October to March in Bali is the rainy season. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Bali 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Bali in the Spring?
Both Bali 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. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Bali is April to September. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Bali. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Bali and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Bali | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.