Which place is cheaper, Chongqing 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Surat Thani or Chongqing?
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 Chongqing 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 Chongqing?
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."
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
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 China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
-
Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesChongqing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $70Chongqing $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $70, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $111. 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 Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Chongqing $53
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Chongqing $106
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Chongqing? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Chongqing $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $125
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- 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
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Wulong 5-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $687
- 5-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Wulong 3-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park: $158
- Private One Way Transfer (English Service) between Airport & Hotel & Cruise Port: $99
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
- Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
- Private Departure Transfer from City Hotel to Chongqing Railway Station: $49
- Private Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $49
- Jiangbei International Airport Transfer 24h Services: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing 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
-
Food Meals for one daySurat Thani $27Chongqing $45
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
-
Dinner$4.60
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:
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $50
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $52
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Qingyu Banquet Experience with Show and Dinner: $51
- Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class: $80
- Food Tour with Old Town and Magical Night Views: $93
- Chongqing Food Tour: $93
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner or Massage: $150
- Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $245
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.59Chongqing $14
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $22
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $32
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $40
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $48
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $56
- Half-Day Tour: Koh Rap, Pig Island & Koh Tan By Join Speed Boat: $56
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $58
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $63
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Chongqing Culture Tour Art Street Tea House and Folk Alleys: $173
- 1 Day Private Tour to UNESCO Dazu Rock Carvings from Chongqing: $166
- 1 Day Private tour to Chongqing Wulong National Geology Park: $179
- 1 Day Tour at Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Ancient Town: $248
- 1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch: $157
- 3Days Chongqing Cyber City✖ Wulong Karst Cave Adventure: $750
- 4D3N Yangtze River Victoria Cruise: Chongqing to Yichang: $628
- All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour: $230
- All-inclusive Tour: Wulong Three Natural Bridges,Fairy Mountain: $270
- Authentic Chongqing Walking Tour: Explore History & Local Vibe: $98
- Century Cruises Chongqing to Yichang Yangzte River Tour: $61
- ChongQing Guanyinqiao: A 3-Hour Urban Adventure: $80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.58Chongqing $7.39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Chongqing, we can see that Chongqing 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 Chongqing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chongqing 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 Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 3967030 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Chongqing, 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.
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.