Which place is cheaper, Pokhara or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Pokhara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Pokhara? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Koh Samui or Pokhara?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesPokhara Prices
Nepal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Pokhara $23
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $23. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Samui and Pokhara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Pokhara $3.70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Pokhara $7.40
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Pokhara
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Pokhara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Pokhara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Pokhara $7.21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.36
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Gas for Scooter$1.26
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Airport Taxi$14
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $127
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $22
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan Transfer Painting and Party: $49
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $46
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $50
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $81
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $36
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $18
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer : $50
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $295
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Kathmandu: $250
- Transfer to Lower Mustang (Jomsom): $205
- Kusma Swing Jumping Experience with Transfer: $150
- Paragliding Experience with Hotel Transfers: $139
- From 4-Day Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $130
- Paragliding and Rafting Adventure with Transfers: $129
- Private Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu: $120
- Pokhara to Kathmandu Transfer by Private Car: $99
- "Exclusive Private Transfer: Pokhara to Chitwan in a Luxury car": $85
- Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara by Car, Jeep & Hiace: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Pokhara?
Prices for flights to both Pokhara and Koh Samui change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayKoh Samui $39Pokhara $13
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $82
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $113
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $122
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $122
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
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Dinner for Two$4.25
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Dessert (for 2)$2.84
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Pastries$1.42
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Dinner$6.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
- 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
- Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
- Thakali food Cooking Class in Pokhara: $50
- 2 hours Momo cooking class in Pokhara: $60
- Nepali Cooking Class in Pokhara with a Local Family: $60
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Pokhara $6.87
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui: $2.39
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.97
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui : $18
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $27
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- High Speed Karting Fun Adventure at EasyKart from Koh Samui: $29
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $29
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $30
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $31
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Private Trekking Tour to Australian Camp & Dhampus: $99
- “Pokhara in a Day: Guided Tour of Natural Wonders & Sacred Sites": $75
- "Pokhara Day Bus Sightseeing 8 points": $20
- "Pokhara Pumdikot Tour: Eagle Eye Views of Stunning Pokhara": $29
- "Private Jeep Adventure: Scenic Drive to Dharapani from Pokhara": $200
- "Sunrise and Scenic Day Hike in A Perfect Adventure: $84
- 1-Day Private Dhampus Trekking Tour: $67
- 110 Meters Bungee Jumping Tour in Pokhara: $105
- 2 Day Private Panchase Trek Tour from Pokhara: $140
- 2 Iconic Suspension Bridge Tour in Pokhara: $29
- 2 Night 3 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara: $240
- 3 Days Hiking Tour in Astam, Hyanjakot & Dhampus from Pokhara: $245
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Pokhara $6.20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Pokhara, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Koh Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui than you might in Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Pokhara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Pokhara?
Pokhara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Pokhara, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.