Which place is cheaper, Wollongong or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Wollongong?
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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong?
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."
Wollongong
Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Wollongong $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $121. 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 Wollongong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Wollongong $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Wollongong
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Wollongong? 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: Wollongong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Wollongong $39
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Wollongong?
Prices for flights to both Wollongong 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 $14Wollongong $30
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
Typical Food Prices in Wollongong
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:
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Lunch$7.79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Wollongong $22
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Wollongong $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Wollongong?
Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 260910 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?
Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?
Both Wollongong 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. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Wollongong 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Wollongong in the Autumn?
Both Wollongong 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. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Wollongong in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Wollongong 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Wollongong in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Wollongongin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Wollongong 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Wollongong in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Wollongong. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.
In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Wollongongin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Wollongong 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Wollongong and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Wollongong | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.