Siargaois 27% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (44/10) vs Koh Samui "Pricey" (29/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $17/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🇵🇭 Siargao
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
★★★★★18 hostels, avg 9.3 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $66/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $66/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $2.31, dorms avg $19
★★★★★Coffee $2.03, dorms avg $17
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $2.25, 15 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.18, 18 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui | 🇵🇭 Siargao | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $21 | $15 cheaper | $6/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $40 | $26 cheaper | $14/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $74 | $44 cheaper | $30/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Koh Samui | 🇵🇭 Siargao |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.82 | $3.46 28% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $16.08 | $8.70 46% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.25 | $1.18 48% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.31 | $2.03 12% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.61 | $0.26 84% 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
🇵🇭44
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $17/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelSoffta Surf Ranch (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels18
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🇵🇭 Siargao
City to City
Getting Between Koh Samui & Siargao
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Koh Samui
🌧 Rainfall: 62mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
🇵🇭 Siargao
🌧 Rainfall: 204mm/month
Best months: 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
🇵🇭 Siargao
1. Bent Palm Tree - Maasin BridgeFree
2. Caridad BeachFree
3. Coconut ViewpointFree
4. Magpupungko Tidal LagoonsFree
5. Philippine Crocodile Habitat viewpointFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Koh Samui or Siargao cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Koh Samui vs Siargao?+
Do I need a visa for Koh Samui or Siargao?+
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Siargao?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Koh Samui and Siargao?+
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