Which place is cheaper, Kunming or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Kunming?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Kunming, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Phuket or Kunming?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
Kunming
Kunming, located in southern China, is the modern capital city of the Yunnan province. It is a transportation hub for visitors entering the region, and good transfer point to just about everywhere else in the province by train or bus. Within the city itself there are many things to see and do with a full range of parks and zoos, museums, temples, theatres, and scenic areas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesKunming Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Kunming $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Kunming is $85. 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 Phuket and Kunming in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Kunming $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Kunming $66
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Kunming
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Kunming? 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: Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Kunming $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
-
Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
-
Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 5-8 Islands with Pickup and Transfer: $221
- Jet Ski Island Hopping Adventure from Phuket Lunch and Transfers: $209
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $174
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $160
- Freedom Party Boat Cruise By HYPE Boat Club Phuket - Include Pickup Transfer: $153
- From Krabi : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Khaolak and More: $150
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $135
- Private Airport Arrival Transfer : Airport to Hotel in Krabi: $135
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $131
- Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $130
- Phuket Airport Transfers : Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT in Luxury Van: $130
- Phuket Airport Transfers : Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City in Luxury Van: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kunming
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Kunming:
-
Taxi Ride$1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kunming
Also for Kunming, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kunming Airport Private Transfer - Charge by Vehicle: $48
- Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pickup: $83
- Kunming Private Round Trip Transfer to Fuxianhu Lake: $90
- [Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Kunming?
Prices for flights to both Kunming and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $43Kunming $39
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
-
Thai Noodles$2.83
-
Bananas$0.79
-
Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kunming
For Kunming, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Discovery more Kunming evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner: $88
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Kunming $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
One Day Boat Tour$28
-
Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
-
Thai Oil Massage$20
-
Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
- Best of Phi Phi Island Adventure Day Tour with Lunch from Phuket: $50
- Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
- Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
- James Bond Island Adventure Full Day Speedboat/Big Boat Phuket : $63
- Patong Trolley Tours: $55
- Phi Phi Islands Premium Speedboat Adventure Day Tour from Phuket: $67
- Phuket Night Food Walking tour : $106
- Phuket Scenic Horseback Riding Adventure : $70
- Phuket Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation: $172
- Aeolos Catamaran Tour to Coral & Racha Islands + Lunch: $80
Tours and Activities in Kunming
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kunming.
- Kunming City & Cultural Walking tour: $26
- Yunnan University & Culture Alley Guided Tour: $26
- Half Day Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $43
- Kunming City Tour with Private Guide: $44
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour: $64
- Old Town Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Guandu Ancient Town Private Tour (Half-Day): $66
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $66
- Stone Forest + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City Private Tour: $68
- Stone Forest, Roast Duck Lunch and City Tour: $70
- Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with Scenic Train Tour: $74
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Kunming $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
-
Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
-
Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Kunming, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Kunming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kunming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kunming 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket than you might in Kunming.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Kunming Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Kunming?
Kunming has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Kunming, 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.