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 tourist mecca 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $138, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $105. 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 $85
    Phuket $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $170
    Phuket $112
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 $8.66
    Phuket $11
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
    $1.56
  • Taxi to Airport
    $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • From Biblical Highlights Tour with Transfer: $124
  • From Jerusalem Day Trip with Transfer: $124
  • Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
  • Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $115
  • Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $115
  • Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
  • Private Haifa Transfer - from/to Tel Aviv City or (TLV) Airport : $239
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Tel Aviv Hotel to your Jerusalem Hotel: $80
  • Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $174
  • Private Tel Aviv Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Airport: $89
  • Private Tel Aviv Departure Transfer from your Hotel /Accommodation to Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Ben Gurion Airport: $116

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket

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


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $8.18
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $6.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $70
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $139
  • ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $116
  • Airport Private Departure Transfers from Phuket: $45
  • Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $37
  • Arrival Transfer Phuket Airport HKT to Talang, Kathu or Muang: $21
  • Departure Private Airport Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $37
  • Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $93
  • Departure Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport (Private): $17
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $108
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $149
  • From Krabi: Phuket Transfer with Phi Phi Longtail Boat Tour: $362

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 $27
    Phuket $22
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
    $22
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    $129
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $34
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $3.71
  • Lunch at the airport
    $31

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 of the Carmel Market: $49
  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $49
  • Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
  • Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
  • 3 hours Levinsky Market Food Tour : $104
  • The 10 Tastings of Tel Aviv With Locals: Private Food Tour : $230
  • Private Food Tour to Carmel Market : $266

Typical Food Prices in Phuket

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


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $7.88
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.64
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.45
  • Bananas
    $0.68
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $8.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

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

  • Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
  • Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
  • Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
  • Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
  • Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
  • Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
  • Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
  • Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
  • Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
  • Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tel Aviv $23
    Phuket $42
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
    $78
  • Etzel museum
    $3.98

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

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

  • The Story of Gan HaHashmal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • The Trail of Independence: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Tel Aviv: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-guided Graffiti tour in Tel Aviv in your own time and your own pace: $24
  • All the Best of Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $28
  • Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $29
  • Tel Aviv Jaffo Skyline Sightseeing Cruise of Coast Line: $29
  • Historic walking tour of Tel Aviv - Secrets of Sarona - Self-Guided Tour: $30
  • Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port & the Flea Market: $35
  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour (Graffiti): $35
  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour: $39
  • Jaffa and Neve Tzedek Neighborhoods Walking Tour: $39

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
    $25
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $68
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $17
  • Surfboard Rental
    $8.18

Tours and Activities in Phuket

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

  • Phuket Botanic Garden Admission Ticket: $3.01
  • The Selfie Experience Phuket Admission Ticket: $4.14
  • Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Phuket to Phi Phi Tonsai Ferry by Royal Jet Cruiser with Pickup Service: $13
  • Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $14
  • Phuket Trickeye Museum Day Admission Ticket: $15
  • Baan Teelanka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $16
  • Original Discovery Tour: $17
  • Old Phuket Farm Ticket - Countryside Local Life Culture: $18
  • Child Ticket age 6 - 12 years old (Tourist): $18
  • Simon Cabaret Show Phuket (Ticket Only): $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $22
    Phuket $6.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Clubs, dance bars and free shots: $21
  • Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $24
  • Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $30
  • Tel Aviv Craft Beers Pub Crawl: $42
  • Wine Tour North of Israel from Tel Aviv: $959

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)
    $5.46
  • Beer
    $2.32

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

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

  • All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
  • Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
  • Pub Crawl Tour: $25
  • Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $77
  • Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213


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.