Koh Phanganis 28% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (29/10) vs Koh Samui "Pricey" (29/10). Dorms avg $20/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $48/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $66/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $2.14, dorms avg $20
★★★★★Coffee $2.31, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $2.33, 15 hostels
★★★★★Beer $2.25, 15 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Koh Phangan | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $15 cheaper | $21 | $6/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $28 cheaper | $40 | $12/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $55 cheaper | $74 | $18/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Koh Phangan | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $2.60 46% less | $4.82 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $10.20 37% less | $16.08 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.33 | $2.25 3% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.14 7% less | $2.31 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.98 39% less | $1.61 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇭29
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $20/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelBunkhouse Koh Phangan (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$20/night
Total hostels15
🇹🇭29
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelDk1 Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
City to City
Getting Between Koh Phangan & Koh Samui
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
🌧 Rainfall: 61mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🌧 Rainfall: 62mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
1. BuddhaFree
2. Haad Yuan viewpointFree
3. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) StatueFree
4. Phaeng Yai WaterfallFree
5. Thong Nai Pan noi ViewFree
🇹🇭 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 Koh Phangan or Koh Samui cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Koh Phangan vs Koh Samui?+
Do I need a visa for Koh Phangan or Koh Samui?+
When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan or Koh Samui?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Koh Phangan and Koh Samui?+
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