A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Rockhampton for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

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."

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a city in Queensland, Australia with a population of around 75,000. It dates back to 1855 and historically the economy was driven by gold, mining, and agriculture. Today it feels more bustling than you would expect in an "outback town." There's traffic, suburban sprawl, and continuing growth and development. The city sits on the Fitzroy River about 45 kilometers from the river's mouth.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Rockhampton or Surat Thani?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Rockhampton is $170. 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 Rockhampton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Rockhampton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Rockhampton $202
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Rockhampton

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Rockhampton? 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.

Hotels in Surat Thani


Hotels in Rockhampton


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: Rockhampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Rockhampton $19

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: $59
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • 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
  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Rockhampton?

Prices for flights to both Rockhampton 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 day
    Surat Thani $14
    Rockhampton $49
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Rockhampton $40

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Rockhampton $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Rockhampton?

Rockhampton has a larger population, and is about 65850 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Rockhampton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Rockhamptonin January. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Rockhampton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Rockhampton 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Rockhampton. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Surat Thani is a little warmer than Rockhampton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in April.

Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Rockhampton in the Winter?

Both Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.

In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Rockhampton 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Rockhampton in the Spring?

Both Rockhampton 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. Furthermore, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In April, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Rockhamptonin October. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Rockhampton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)