Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Suzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Suzhou $58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $11
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Arrival Transfer to Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotel and Vice Versa: $13
- PHUKET Arrival Transfer-Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotels (Shared): $15
- Phuket Departure Transfer from Hotel to Phuket Airport (Shared): $15
- Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus) : $15
- Phuket Private Transfer from/to Phuket Airport HKT (one way): $16
- Phuket Airport Departure Transfer – Domestic & International : $19
- Phuket Hotel to Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $19
- Phuket Airport Arrival Transfer – Domestic & International : $19
- Departure Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport (Private): $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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
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Food Meals for one dayPhuket $43Suzhou $57
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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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 Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Suzhou $9.47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $4.75
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $8.05
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $17
- Aquaria Phuket Tickets and 4D Trickeye Museum Combo Deal: $17
- Aquaria Phuket and 4D Trickeye Museum Experience Ticket: $17
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Patong Beach Parasailing and Jet Skiing Experience Shared: $22
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
- Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
- Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
- Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
- Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
- Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Suzhou $6.50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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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 comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Suzhou, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Suzhou, 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 Phuket or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
In July, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou this time of the year. In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Suzhou. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Phuket is a little warmer than Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
Suzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Phuket is December to March.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou and Phuket during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Phuket is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Suzhou. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Phuket
| Phuket | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.