Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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 Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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."
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, and The Best Bicycle Tours in India.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesKolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $69Kolkata (Calcutta) $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $69, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $42. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Kolkata (Calcutta) $30
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.46
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: $3.62
- 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
- From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Transfer From Phuket to Samui Pier: $56
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $74
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $64
- Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $44
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $32
- Private Transfer From Kolkata Airport to Hotel: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 $27Kolkata (Calcutta) $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$4.54
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: $50
- 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
- Coastal Village Life Tour w/ Mangrove & Cooking: $91
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Hooghly River Dinner Cruise: $39
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $39
- Alleyway Food Tour: $40
- Food Tour Delights of Kolkata with Aditya: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.51Kolkata (Calcutta) $13
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
- Koh Samui Temple Tour: Big Buddha Guanyin and Na Muang Waterfall: $30
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $32
- Koh Tao: 5-Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos: $34
- 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
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $35
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $38
- Day Tour Of Kolkata: $24
- Discover Kolkata in 2 Days: Private Customised Sightseeing Tour: $150
- Explore Kolkata: Private 1-Day and 2-Day Tour Options: $119
- Flower Market Colors and Ganges Ghat Experience: $30
- Full Day Kolkata City Tour: $110
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Full-Day Kolkata Sightseeing Private Tour with Tour Guide: $75
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $97
- Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.50Kolkata (Calcutta) $7.22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Kolkata (Calcutta) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kolkata (Calcutta) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani than you might in Kolkata (Calcutta).
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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 4631390 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.