Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Cebu?
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 Cebu 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 Cebu?
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."
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Cebu $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $65. 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 Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Cebu $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Cebu? 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: Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Cebu $26
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $190
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Oslob Car Hire and Transfers: $150
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer: $108
- Cebu Whale Shark Snorkeling & Tumalog Falls w/ Meals and Transfer: $95
- Transfer Cebu City - Bantayan Island: $70
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Lapu-Lapu city: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu 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 $14Cebu $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $67
- Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $69
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $89
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $108
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Cebu $17
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
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- A snorkelling tour to Cebu’s Hilutungan: $130
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $84
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $80
- Beach Adventure: $85
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour from Cebu City or Mactan - Best Seller: $155
- Bohol Countryside Joiners Tour From Cebu City: $144
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City: $213
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City All Day Tour; An Unforgettable Experience of Cebu.: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Cebu $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Cebu, we can see that Cebu 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 Cebu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cebu 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 Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Cebu?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 798630 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Cebu, 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 Cebu?
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 Cebu in the Summer?
Both Cebu 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 Cebu year-round.
Cebu 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 Cebu. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Cebu in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Cebu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cebu 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 Cebu. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Cebu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Cebu. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Cebu in the Spring?
Both Cebu 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 Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Cebu. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Cebu in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.