Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi? 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: Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi?
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Nanjing Prices
China PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $118Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $118, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Nanjing and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Koh Phi Phi $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanjing $39Koh Phi Phi $7.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Private Day Tour: Nanjing City Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $285
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Nanjing to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
- Nanjing to Wuxi Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $88
- Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
-
Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Nanjing 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
-
Food Meals for one dayNanjing $49Koh Phi Phi $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.88
-
Sit Down Lunch$11
-
Casual Lunch$6.59
-
Coconut Donut$0.31
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
-
Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.41Koh Phi Phi $52
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
- Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
- Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
- Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.61Koh Phi Phi $6.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$16
-
Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing than you might in Koh Phi Phi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 3090 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Koh Phi Phi, 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.
When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi?
Nanjing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Nanjing during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Nanjing is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. In January, Nanjing is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Nanjing usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Nanjing is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In April, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
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.