Koh Samuiis 18% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (40/10) vs Phuket "Fair" (40/10). 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
First-time Europer
★★★★★
18 attractions
★★★★★
24 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui | 🇹🇭 Phuket | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $21 cheaper | $26 | $5/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $40 cheaper | $51 | $11/day |
flashpackr 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
🇹🇭▼
Koh Samui
Thailand
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Plenty to see (18 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelDk1 Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels15
🇹🇭▼
Phuket
Thailand
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Plenty to see (24 attractions).
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
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🇹🇭 Phuket
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (60d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Koh Samui & Phuket
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
31°C
High
/
28°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 88mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
🇹🇭 Phuket
30°C
High
/
28°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 131mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
1. Mermaid
2. 360
3. Art supplies in Samui Town Center
4. Chinese masterpiece of art
5. Escape Beach Resort
🇹🇭 Phuket
1. Bouddha couché
2. Chartered Bank Intersection
3. Hongsyok house
4. Kaokard Viewpoint Tower
5. Kathu Cobra Show
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?+
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