Which place is cheaper, Ubud or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Surat Thani or Ubud?
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 Ubud 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 Ubud?
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."
Ubud
Made popular by the film Eat Pray Love, Ubud is located in the uplands of Bali, Indonesia. Beautiful Hindu temples and iconic rice fields are the sight to see in this popular cultural, artistic and religious hub on the island.
Though Ubud is hot and humid during the day, it is still cooler than coastal areas. Still, temperatures linger between mid-70's and low 90's year-round, so it is likely you'll experience warm weather, regardless of when you visit.
Ubud's wet season is from November to June, which makes it an unpopular time for travelers. January and February are when Ubud experiences the heaviest rainfall, so it may be wise to avoid visiting at this time, especially since weather will limit activities, bring out insects, and cause landslides and possible flooding.
Dry season runs from July through October, which is high season for travel. Even during dry season, Ubud is extremely humid, so pack lightweight clothing that breathes and lots of sunblock.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Ubud $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Ubud is $150. 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 Ubud in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Ubud $133
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Ubud $266
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Ubud
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Ubud? 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: Ubud Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Ubud $1.82
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:
- All Inclusive:Bali to Gili Islands | Snorkeling + Transfers + Stay-3Days/2Nights: $299
- Private Tour 3 Day Exploring Bali Including Airport Transfer And Lunch: $297
- 4 Days Bali Tour with ATV Ride and Airport Transfer: $262
- Bali Budget 5 Days, Tours & Air Port Transfers : $237
- Bali New Kuta Golf Package with Private Transfer: $205
- Private Tour: Amazing 3 Days Bali Sightseeing Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $170
- 2 Days 1 Night Bali Nusa Penida Private Tour with Transfer: $165
- 3 Days Bali Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $164
- Actively enjoy marine sports / Seawalker + Selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $162
- Actively enjoy marine sports / popular flyboard + selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) round-trip hotel transfer included: $162
- Actively enjoy marine sports / 4 types of marine sports to choose from (parasailing, jet skiing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $162
- 1 DAY Enjoy Lembongan Island! Snorkeling + mangrove exploration + sightseeing on the island such as the scenic spot "Devil's Tears" / marine sports enjoyment banana boat / transfer included: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Ubud?
Prices for flights to both Ubud 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 daySurat Thani $14Ubud $12
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.
- Canggu: Drag Show with Dinner: $10
- Jimbaran Bay Sunset Dinner with Discount Voucher and Return Transport : $12
- Munduk authentic cooking class & banyumala waterfall: $19
- Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
- Balinese Traditional Cooking Classes with Market Tour: $22
- Balinese Traditional Cooking Class with Market Tour: $22
- Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $23
- Balinese Cooking Class and Market Tour with Transfers: $23
- Cooking Class with Transfers and Optional Market Visit: $23
- Balinese Cooking Class with Hotel Transfers: $26
- Best of Ubud with Cooking Class Experience: $26
- Jimbaran Beach Candle Light Dinner : $26
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Ubud $10
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
Tours and Activities in Ubud
Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 DAY Valley Trekking at Hidden Canyon Bejiguwang + Sightseeing/Private Tour 8 Hours/English/Japanese Driver Included: $37
- All Inclusive Tour in Nusa Lembongan Islands : $145
- BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR Private Tour with Wifi onboard: $87
- Bali : Best Private Day Tour with Private Driver : $26
- Bali : Customized Tour Sekumpul Waterfalls & Handara gate Heaven: $36
- Bali : Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep 4WD Experience: $38
- Bali PrivateTanahlot Sunset Tour: $110
- Bali Royal palaces (observe tour): $88
- Barong Dance and Waterfall tour in Bali: $35
- Best Ubud Tours -All inclusive with private driver: $35
- Best of Ubud Tours with Jungle Swing ( All Inclusive ): $83
- Gate Of Heaven Lempuyang Temple Tours with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Ubud $6.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Ubud, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Ubud?
Ubud has a larger population, and is about 28370 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Ubud, 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.