Which place is cheaper, Bali 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 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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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesBali Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $69Bali $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $69, while the average daily cost in Bali is $79. 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 $26Bali $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Bali $74
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 $26Bali $8.10
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
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$2.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Luxury Bali Private Airport Transfer Alphard: $113
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Bali Sea Walker, Parasailing, Banana Boat, Jet Ski with Transfer: $81
- Bali Parasailing, Banana, Jet Ski, and Sea Walker with Transfer: $80
- 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
- Bali Jet Ski, Parasailing, Banana, and Donut Boat with Transfer: $74
- Bali Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $72
- Bali Parasailing Adventure, Sea Walker, Donut Boat with Transfer: $68
- Bali Sea Walker, Parasailing Adventure, Donut Boat with Transfer: $67
- Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $66
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 $27Bali $32
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
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.11
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Lunch for Two$12
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Bali Cafe for Two$24
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Lunch for Two$7.24
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Lunch for 2$8.02
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Dinner for 2$8.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset: $30
- Amazing Private Tour-Uluwatu Kecak Dance and Romantic Seafood Dinner: $33
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran beach: $38
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $41
- Nusa Dua: Bali Cooking Class Spice Herb Garden Visit-Free Pick Up: $42
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Bali Village Sunset Experience – Jamu, Local Sweets & Dinner: $45
- Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
- Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
- Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour & Dinner at Jimbaran Bay: $63
- Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
- Highlights Padang - Padang, Melasti Beach & Jimbaran Dinner: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.54Bali $9.71
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
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$48
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Snorkelling Trip$11
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Cooking School$25
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- 1 Day Penida Island And Uluwatu Temple Private Guided Tour: $123
- 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
- 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
- 6 Hour Car Charter Tour of Uluwatu Temple: $44
- ATV Ride Adventure in Bali: $31
- All Inclusive Bali Benoa Watersports and Jet Ski Adventure: $26
- All-Inclusive: Besakih Temple & Ancient Village Experience: $78
- Amazing Day Tour: Highlights of Ubud Village Hidden Waterfall: $29
- Amazing Experience ATV Quad Bike with Bali Swing: $75
- Bali : ATV Quad Bike and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch: $35
- Bali : Instagrams Tour Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga- Tukad Cepung , Tibumana Waterfall: $43
- Bali ATV (Quad Bike)+Rafting with lunch+Coffee Plantation tour: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.53Bali $2.87
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Bali, we can see that Bali 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 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.