Which place is cheaper, Melbourne 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 Melbourne?
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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne?
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."
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesMelbourne Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $68Melbourne $208
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $208. 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 Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Melbourne $127
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Melbourne $254
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Melbourne? 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: Melbourne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Melbourne $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $86
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $38
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
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Airport Bus$11
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Tram Ride$2.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $377
- Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $213
- Melbourne Airport MEL Private Transfer to Melbourne in Luxury Car: $200
- Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $189
- Melbourne Hotel to Airport Private Departure Transfer 12 seater mini bus: $178
- Avalon Airport Transfers: $178
- Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
- Melbourne Airport MEL Private Transfer to Melbourne by Luxury Van: $173
- Departure Transfer from Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Van: $173
- Melbourne Private Transfer to Melbourne Airport MEL in Luxury Van: $173
- Airport Private Van Transfer to City: $172
- MEL Airport Private Van Transfer to CBD, Docklands or Southbank: $156
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 $27Melbourne $56
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$4.51
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: $49
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $51
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
- Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.79
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Pizza$4.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $40
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $87
- Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $99
- Secret Food Tour: $109
- Melbourne Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings in Hidden Laneways: $115
- Yarra Valley Full Day Grazing Tour: Gin, Wine, Pizza, Cheese: $125
- Spanish Hands on Cooking Class: $128
- Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.47Melbourne $29
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $31
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan: $68
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $76
- Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Adventure from Khao Sok: $94
- Cheow Lan Lake and Raft House Day Tour from Khao Sok: $90
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui: $63
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $121
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $78
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $55
- Khao Sok Lake Overnight Superior Group Tour with Meals Included: $155
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $125
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Sight seeing Melbourne River Cruise on historic vessel: $25
- 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $156
- 1.5Hr Yarra River Crown Flames and City Lights Cruise: $317
- 12 Apostles,Great Ocean Road Tour - hotel PICKUP & free entries: $98
- 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $843
- 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $71
- 4D3N Best Bits Victoria Sightseeing Tour: $992
- 5 Days 4 Nights: Melbourne Package tour: $1,323
- Architecture Tour of Melbourne: $64
- Art Tour of Melbourne: $92
- ArtVo Immersive Gallery Experience: $25
- Australian Designer Walking Tour in Melbourne CBD: $107
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.46Melbourne $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
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Bottle of Wine$5.41
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Saturday Melbourne Bar Crawl: $18
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
- Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
- Relaxed Half Day Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Melbourne: $78
- New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour w Exclusive Gin, Cider & Chocolate Tasting: $92
- Yarra Valley: Bus Wine Tour with Lunch and a Glass of Wine: $116
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $124
- Epic Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch - Gin/Beer Upgrade: $127
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch & Gin/Beer Option: $129
- Cruise Ship Friendly Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Port Pickup: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surat Thani is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 3730210 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Melbourne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Melbourne. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Melbourne in the Winter?
Both Melbourne and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Melbournein July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Melbourne in the Spring?
Both Melbourne and Surat Thani during the spring 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, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.