Which place is cheaper, Lombok or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Lombok?
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 Lombok 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 Lombok?
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."
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Lombok $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Lombok is $52. 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 Lombok in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Lombok $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Lombok $58
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Lombok
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Lombok? 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: Lombok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Lombok $11
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 Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $210
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $152
- Private Transfer from Dusun Setangi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $93
- Airport transfer from lombok airport to Senaru rinjiani area: $76
- Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
- Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
- Lombok Int Airport (LOP) to Lombok - Round Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $58
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Bolong: $50
- Private Transfer from Bangsal to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sigar Penjalin: $50
- Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Lombok?
Prices for flights to both Lombok 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 $14Lombok $12
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 Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
- Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
- Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Lombok $10
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 Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $169
- 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
- 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $221
- 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $269
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
- Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
- Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
- Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
- Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $89
- Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
- Cultural Tour of Lombok with English Speaking Guide: $63
- Daily Tour: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Lombok $8.15
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Lombok, we can see that Surat Thani 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 Lombok Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Lombok?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Lombok in the Summer?
Both Lombok 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. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Lombok. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Lombok averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Lombok 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Lombok in the Autumn?
Both Lombok 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.
Lombok 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 Lombok. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Lombok 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Lombok in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Lombok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Lombok. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Surat Thani is cooler than Lombok in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Lombok 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Lombok in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Lombok. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Lombok. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Lombok 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Lombok and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Lombok | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.