Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Kobe?
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 Kobe 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 Kobe?
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."
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Kobe $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Kobe $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Kobe? 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: Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Kobe $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
- 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
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
- From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $240
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
- Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $14Kobe $30
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 Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Kobe $23
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- 5 island tour: $459
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
- From Phuket: Cheow Lan Lake 2Day Guided Tour with Activities: $203
- From Phuket: Full-Day Private Tour to Khao Sok Highlights: $170
- Khao Sok Lake: Private Day Tour with Boat and Jungle Trek: $179
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
- Khao Sok: Private Longtail Boat Tour at Cheow Lan Lake: $227
- Koh Phangan: Private Land Tour with Snorkeling: $241
- Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
- Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple Tour: $241
- Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $168
- 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $134
- 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $167
- A Tour to Learn all about the international port city, Kobe!: $153
- Cruise Stop-Over: Explore The City From Kobe Port: $238
- Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
- Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $149
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
- Himeji and Private Guided 1 Day Tour: $228
- KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
- KOBE Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]: $282
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Kobe $8.56
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
- Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Kobe?
Kobe has a larger population, and is about 1528480 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?
Both Kobe and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Kobe. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe and Surat Thani during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Kobe 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 more rain in October than Kobe. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kobe in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Kobe. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Kobe. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.
In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.