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

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Surat Thani?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv or Surat Thani, 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 Surat Thani?

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.

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."

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani is $53. 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 Surat Thani in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tel Aviv $85
    Surat Thani $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $170
    Surat Thani $50
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Surat Thani

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv or Surat Thani? 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 Surat Thani


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tel Aviv $8.66
    Surat Thani $24
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:

  • Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): Private Transfer to Tel Aviv: $452
  • Private Transfers and Chauffeur Services: $300
  • Private transfer service from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: $298
  • Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Haifa hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $297
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Cruise Port: $283
  • Tel Aviv Airport TLV Private transfer to Tel Aviv in Luxury Van: $273
  • Tel Aviv Private Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport TLV in Business Car: $273
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: $247
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Jerusalem: $247
  • Private Haifa Transfer - from/to Tel Aviv City or (TLV) Airport : $239
  • Tel Aviv Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $225
  • transfer from bengurion airport to Jerusalem : $200

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Surat Thani?

Prices for flights to both Surat Thani 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
    Surat Thani $14
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 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tel Aviv $23
    Surat Thani $4.97
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:

  • Romantic Walking Tour In Tel Aviv for Couples: $240
  • Self-guided Graffiti tour in Tel Aviv in your own time and your own pace: $24
  • 1-Day Tour Jerusalem and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv: $129
  • All the Best of Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $28
  • Best of Golan Heights Day Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: $190
  • Best of Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem: $189
  • Best of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Walking Tour - 1 Day: $89
  • Bethlehem and Jericho Day Biblical Tour from Tel Aviv: $190
  • Bethlehem and Jerusalem Day Biblical Tour from Tel Aviv: $183
  • Bethlehem and Jerusalem Day Tour from Tel Aviv: $99
  • Bethlehem, Jerusalem Desert and Monasteries Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: $200
  • Caesarea, Haifa, and Akko: Full-Day Tour: $99

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $22
    Surat Thani $4.96

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Surat Thani, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East and Surat Thani 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 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 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 Surat Thani.

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 Surat Thani Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Surat Thani?

Tel Aviv has a larger population, and is about 378360 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv and Surat Thani, 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.