vs
El Nidois 30% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (39/10) vs Phuket "Pricey" (28/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $21/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇹🇭 Phuket
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.2 rating
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $58/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $70/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.45, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $3.26, dorms avg $21
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.14, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.25, 15 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
26 attractions
★★★★★
24 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇭 El Nido | 🇹🇭 Phuket | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $18 cheaper | $26 | $8/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $31 cheaper | $51 | $20/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $53 cheaper | $91 | $37/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇭 El Nido | 🇹🇭 Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.02 41% less | $6.76 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $12.85 47% less | $24.12 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.14 49% less | $2.25 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.45 25% less | $3.26 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.86 44% less | $1.53 |
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
🇹🇭▼
Phuket
Thailand
28
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMt Friend Hostel Phuket Town (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇹🇭 Phuket
🇪🇺 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 & Phuket
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇭 El Nido
30°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 59mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar
🇹🇭 Phuket
30°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 72mm/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
🇹🇭 Phuket
1. Kaokard Viewpoint TowerFree
2. Khao Khad sea viewFree
3. Khao Rang ViewpointFree
4. Radar hillFree
5. Tiger KingdomFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is El Nido or Phuket cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in El Nido vs Phuket?+
Do I need a visa for El Nido or Phuket?+
When is the best time to visit El Nido or Phuket?+
What's the cheapest month to visit El Nido and Phuket?+
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