Which place is cheaper, Udaipur 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 Udaipur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Udaipur? 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 Udaipur?
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.
Udaipur
Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.
The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.
Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.
Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.
Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, and The Best Adventure Tours to India.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesUdaipur Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Udaipur $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, while the average daily cost in Udaipur is $39. 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 Udaipur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Udaipur $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Udaipur $30
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Udaipur
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Udaipur? 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 Udaipur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Udaipur $6.71
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:
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $22
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Full Moon Party by Speed Boat Transfer from Koh Samui: $38
- Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan Transfer Painting and Party: $49
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $50
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $46
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $81
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $36
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer : $50
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Koh Samui Jungle Discovery Tour with Hotel Transfers: $49
- Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $139
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:
- Private Transfer From Udaipur To Jodhpur Via Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur Jain Temple: $223
- Private Transfer from Udaipur to Ahmedabad Airport: $213
- Private One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Agra: $157
- Private One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Delhi: $157
- Jagmandir Island And Sunset Boat Ride On Lake Pichola, Udaipur Without Transfers: $134
- From Jaisalmer : Private One Way Udaipur Transfer in AC Car: $134
- Private Transfer From Udaipur to Jaipur: $125
- Udaipur, The City of Lakes - A Heritage Walk with private transfers: $105
- Private Transfer From Udaipur To Jaisalmer Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $101
- Smooth Departure Transfer by Car from Udaipur to Ahmadabad: $100
- One way City Transfer To/From Udaipur and Jaipur: $100
- Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Tour With One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Jodhpur: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Udaipur?
Prices for flights to both Udaipur 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 $39Udaipur $18
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:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $78
- 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: $81
- Sunset Dinner Cruise by Red Baron In Koh Samui : $81
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $82
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $113
- Koh Samui Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $122
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Udaipur.
- Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals: $16
- Durga Cooking Class: $16
- Learn Cooking class + Meals with Spice & Veg Market visits: $28
- Kusum's Cooking lesson : $57
- Jag Mandir Island Dinner with Boat Ride transfers: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Udaipur $6.80
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: $2.37
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.97
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Half Day Island Guided Tour: $24
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $27
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $28
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $30
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur
Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Palace Entrance Fee$1.14
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Lake Boat Tour$2.27
Tours and Activities in Udaipur
Here are a few actual costs in Udaipur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Explore A Full-Day Private City Tour: $70
- Full Day Udaipur City Tour by Private Vehicle: $86
- Guided Udaipur Tour With Drop Off To Jodhpur Next Day.: $135
- 3 Days Private Udaipur City Tour With Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Jain Temple : $125
- 3 Night 4 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour: $135
- 4 Night 5 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour: $155
- 6 Night 7 Days Udaipur,Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour From Udaipur : $275
- 7 - Days Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur Tour: $704
- 8-Day Rajasthan Tour: Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Jaipur: $263
- A Bicycle Tour of the Countryside Surrounding Udaipur: $246
- Agra: Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh Sunset Viewpoint Tour: $14
- Chittorgarh Private Day Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Udaipur $8.46
Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur
Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Udaipur: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Udaipur, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Udaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Udaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Udaipur 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 Udaipur.
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 Udaipur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Udaipur?
Udaipur has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Udaipur, 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.