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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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 Sydney?

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."

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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 Sydney is $273. 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 Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Sydney $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Sydney $204
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Sydney? 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 Sydney


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: Sydney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Sydney $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
  • From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
  • Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • 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
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Limoroo, Luxe Private Transfers to The Blue Mountains Australia: $298
  • Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $295
  • Private Transfer from Sydney Hotels to Airport: $255
  • Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
  • Sydney Airport (SYD): Private Transfer to Sydney hotels: $205
  • Airport transfers and shuttle bus - home/hotels: $196
  • From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $195
  • Sydney Airport Transfers: $172
  • Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $165
  • Sydney Airport Departure Transfer (Sydney Central Business District to Airport): $164
  • Sydney Airport Private Car Departure Transfer: $162
  • Limoroo, Airport Transfers and Luxe Door to Door Service. : $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney 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
    Sydney $44
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

Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.60
  • Lunch Special
    $9.73
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.73
  • Meat Pies
    $3.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.

  • VIVID Dinner Cruise with Complimentary Drink on Arrival: $36
  • Vivid Sydney Harbor Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $46
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $50
  • Christmas in July Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $56
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $58
  • Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Vivid Dinner Cruise: $58
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Small Group Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet at Bohemian Cafe: $63
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $63
  • Sydney Harbour: Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise: $69
  • Latino Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $69
  • Latino Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Sydney $31

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.

  • Pick up and drop off tourists around Koh Samui: $14
  • The one and only Zipline Experience of Lamai Viewpoint: $38
  • Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
  • Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
  • Koh Samui: Unique Iocal Tour & Elephant Sanctuary with lunch: $65
  • Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
  • X Quad Novice Waterfall ATV Tour (1 Driver): $76
  • Koh Samui: Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary Half-Day Tour: $81
  • Samui Dolphins Tour by Catamaran Yacht: $87
  • Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
  • From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
  • Samui X Quad ATV Tour (1 Driver) with lunch: $122

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $124
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.76

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Bus Tour: $228
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour: $99
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour From Sydney: $99
  • 2 Hours Running Tour in Sydney: $99
  • 2 Hours Sydney Harbour's True Crime Cruise Tour: $30
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Sydney Harbour National Park : $36
  • 3 Hours Abba Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $66
  • 3 Hours Christmas Magic Private Walking Tour in Sydney: $228
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour with a Local Sydney Guide: $227
  • 3.5 Hours Explore Bondi Beach and Sydney Sightseeing Tour: $195
  • 30-Minute Sydney Harbour and Olympic Park Helicopter Tour: $215
  • 4-Hour Freediving Taster Experience at Shelly Beach, Manly: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Sydney $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:

  • Haunted Pub Tour with Local Guide: $20
  • Sydney's Haunted Pub Tour with a Licensed Guide: $26
  • Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
  • Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $46
  • Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $56
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting: $56
  • The Rocks Pub Walking Tour: $76
  • Balmain Pub Walking Tour: $76
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $102
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $111
  • Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting: $121
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tasting + Lunch Guided Day Tour : $132


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


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 4394580 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Sydney. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in July than Sydneyin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Sydney 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Surat Thani is a little warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Sydneyin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Sydney 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Surat Thani during the winter 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 travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

Surat Thani usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sydneyin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Sydney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Sydneyin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Sydney 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Sydney and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Sydney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)