Koh Samuiis 18% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (29/10) vs Phuket "Pricey" (28/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $21/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🇹🇭 Phuket
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $66/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $70/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $2.31, dorms avg $19
★★★★★Coffee $3.26, dorms avg $21
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $2.25, 15 hostels
★★★★★Beer $2.25, 15 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui | 🇹🇭 Phuket | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $21 cheaper | $26 | $5/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $40 cheaper | $51 | $11/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $74 cheaper | $91 | $17/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui | 🇹🇭 Phuket |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.82 29% less | $6.76 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $16.08 33% less | $24.12 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.25 | $2.25 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.31 29% less | $3.26 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.61 | $1.53 5% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇭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
🇹🇭28
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelMt Friend Hostel Phuket Town (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🇹🇭 Phuket
City to City
Getting Between Koh Samui & Phuket
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🌧 Rainfall: 62mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
🇹🇭 Phuket
🌧 Rainfall: 72mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
1. 360Free
2. Art supplies in Samui Town CenterFree
3. Khun Si WaterfallFree
4. Lad Koh View PointFree
5. MermaidFree
🇹🇭 Phuket
1. Kaokard Viewpoint TowerFree
2. Khao Khad sea viewFree
3. Khao Rang ViewpointFree
4. Radar hillFree
5. Tiger KingdomFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Koh Samui or Phuket cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Koh Samui vs Phuket?+
Do I need a visa for Koh Samui or Phuket?+
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Phuket?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Koh Samui and Phuket?+
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