vs
El Nidois 14% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (39/10) vs Koh Samui "Pricey" (29/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.2 rating
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $58/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $66/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.45, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $2.31, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.14, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.25, 15 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
26 attractions
★★★★★
18 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇭 El Nido | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $18 cheaper | $21 | $3/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $31 cheaper | $40 | $10/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $53 cheaper | $74 | $21/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇭 El Nido | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.02 17% less | $4.82 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $12.85 20% less | $16.08 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.14 49% less | $2.25 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.45 | $2.31 6% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.86 47% less | $1.61 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇭▼
El Nido
Philippines
39
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHappiness Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels15
🇹🇭▼
Koh Samui
Thailand
29
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelDk1 Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (60d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between El Nido & Koh Samui
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇭 El Nido
30°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 59mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
30°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 62mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇭 El Nido
1. Coral Bay ResortFree
2. El Nido Reef Strand ResortFree
3. El Nido Zipline eastboundFree
4. Elnido Four Seasons Beach ResortFree
5. Kalinga Beach ResortFree
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
1. 360Free
2. Art supplies in Samui Town CenterFree
3. Khun Si WaterfallFree
4. Lad Koh View PointFree
5. MermaidFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is El Nido or Koh Samui cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in El Nido vs Koh Samui?+
Do I need a visa for El Nido or Koh Samui?+
When is the best time to visit El Nido or Koh Samui?+
What's the cheapest month to visit El Nido and Koh Samui?+
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