A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tel Aviv vs. Phuket for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Phuket?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv or Phuket, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Tel Aviv or Phuket?

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.

Phuket

Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Phuket or Tel Aviv?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $195, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $132. 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 Tel Aviv and Phuket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tel Aviv $106
    Phuket $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $212
    Phuket $122
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Phuket

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv or Phuket? 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 Tel Aviv


Hotels in Phuket


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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices and Phuket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tel Aviv $11
    Phuket $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:


  • Local Bus to Central Bus Station
    $1.93
  • Taxi to Airport
    $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • Comfortable Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport: $180
  • Haifa to Tel Aviv or (TLV) Airport Transfers (Arrival/Departure): $290
  • Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
  • Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $249
  • Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $183
  • Private Airport Transfer - Dead Sea Hotels from or to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport: $160
  • Private Airport Transfer from/to your Herzliya Accommodation: $119
  • Private Ben Gurion Airport Transfer To/From TelAviv: $67
  • Private Departure Transfer: From Tel Aviv City Center to Ben Gurion Airport: $48
  • Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $210
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport TLV: $296
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Haifa Cruise Port: $224

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $8.95
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $7.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $17
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer: $153
  • Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $113
  • Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $110
  • Andamanda Water Park Phuket Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $75
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $125
  • Arrival Transfer Phuket Airport HKT to Talang, Kathu, Muang: $43
  • Comfortable Private Phuket Airport to Hotel Arrival Transfer: $26
  • Erawan Patong Seaview Zipline Adventure with Transfers: $64
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms with Transfer RoundTrips: $152
  • Hanuman World Phuket Rainforest Zipline Experience with Transfers: $53
  • Hanuman World Phuket Round Trip Transfer Extra Zone: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Phuket?

Prices for flights to both Phuket and Tel Aviv 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
    Tel Aviv $59
    Phuket $41
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $28
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    $159
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $42
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $4.59
  • Lunch at the airport
    $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

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

  • Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
  • Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $75
  • Levinsky Market Food Tour: $145
  • Food Tour of Sarona Market and Azraeli Center: $165
  • Try Your Hand At Israeli Home Cooking: $177

Typical Food Prices in Phuket

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


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $8.63
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.07
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $13
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.69
  • Bananas
    $0.75
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $8.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

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

  • Authentic Peranakan Cooking Class & Tasting Menu in Phuket: $29
  • Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $50
  • Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Phuket with Dinner at Promthep Cape: $51
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $51
  • Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $55
  • Coral Island Premium Yacht Half Day Tour with Sunset Dinner: $55
  • Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $61
  • Hands on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $61
  • Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $61
  • Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour Option in Bang Tao Phuket: $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tel Aviv $28
    Phuket $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

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


  • Masada tour from Tel Aviv
    $97
  • Etzel museum
    $4.91

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

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

  • Trail of Independence Quest Experience: $6.80
  • Historic walking tour of Tel Aviv - Secrets of Sarona - Self-Guided Tour: $30
  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour (Graffiti): $35
  • Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port & the Flea Market: $39
  • Jaffa Half-Day Walking Tour: $49
  • Tel Aviv Carmel Market & City Walking Tour: $49
  • Carmel Market & Tel Aviv Tour with Tastings: $49
  • Jerusalem Old City Morning Tour: $49
  • Jaffa Sunset Skyline Walking Tour: $50
  • Carmel Market & Neighborhood Guided Walking Tour: $50
  • Hatikvah Market Interactive Behind-the-Scenes Tour: $50
  • Jaffa: Old City, Port & Shuk Hapishpishim Walking Tour: $50

Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket

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


  • One Day Boat Tour
    $27
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $75
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $19
  • Surfboard Rental
    $8.95

Tours and Activities in Phuket

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

  • Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.62
  • Rock Beach Swing Phuket Scenic Photo Spot Ticket: $14
  • Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $16
  • Ultimate Virtual Reality Gaming Park Ticket at VAR Live in Phuket: $17
  • Rock Beach Swing Ticket with Karon Viewpoint in Phuket: $20
  • Aquaria Phuket Ticket: $21
  • Phuket City Tour Sightseeing and Night Market Everyday: $23
  • Phuket Nightlife Tour, Free Entry Bar and Club Crawl: $24
  • Simon Cabaret Show Phuket (Ticket Only): $24
  • Simon Cabaret Phuket Show Admission Ticket: $24
  • Ultimate Fun Experience Ticket from Phuket's Baan Teelanka: $24
  • Phuket City Tour with Famous Landmark and Insta Hunt Challenge: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $27
    Phuket $6.95

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $27
  • Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $30
  • Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $32

Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:


  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $5.97
  • Beer
    $2.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $17
  • Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $52
  • Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $85
  • Half Day Rum Distillery Tour & Sunset Viewpoint: $112


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Phuket, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East and Phuket is in Asia, 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 Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv than you might in Phuket.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tel Aviv Expensive? and Is Phuket Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Phuket?

Tel Aviv has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv and Phuket, 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.