vs
Koh Taois 18% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (21/10) vs El Nido "Pricey" (39/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $28/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇹🇭 Koh Tao
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.2 rating
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $58/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $77/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.45, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $2.15, dorms avg $28
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.14, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.44, 15 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
26 attractions
★★★★★
17 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇭 El Nido | 🇹🇭 Koh Tao | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $18 | $15 cheaper | $3/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $31 | $26 cheaper | $5/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $53 | $51 cheaper | $3/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇭 El Nido | 🇹🇭 Koh Tao |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.02 | $2.44 39% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $12.85 | $7.70 40% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.14 53% less | $2.44 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.45 | $2.15 12% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.86 10% less | $0.96 |
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 Tao
Thailand
21
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $28/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelWonderland Jungle Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$28/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇹🇭 Koh Tao
🇪🇺 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 Tao
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇭 El Nido
30°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 59mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar
🇹🇭 Koh Tao
29°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 61mm/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 Tao
1. John-Suwan Mountain Viewpoint (view on ao …
2. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)Free
3. Sairee ViewpointFree
4. Tanote PeakFree
5. Turtle StatueFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is El Nido or Koh Tao cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in El Nido vs Koh Tao?+
Do I need a visa for El Nido or Koh Tao?+
When is the best time to visit El Nido or Koh Tao?+
What's the cheapest month to visit El Nido and Koh Tao?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds