A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Canberra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Canberra?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Canberra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Canberra?

Surat Thani

The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Surat Thani?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Surat Thani and Canberra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Canberra $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Canberra

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Canberra? 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.

Hotels in Surat Thani


Hotels in Canberra


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: Canberra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $27
    Canberra $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
  • From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
  • Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Canberra?

Prices for flights to both Canberra and Surat Thani 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 day
    Surat Thani $28
    Canberra $60
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • Dinner
    $4.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani

For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121

Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.72
    Canberra $17

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.

  • A Walking Tour of Surat Thani's Most Beautiful and Historic Sites: $174
  • Adventure trip in koh Phangan: $127
  • Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $79
  • Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $65
  • From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $81
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
  • Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
  • Ko Pha Ngan: Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan Snorkeling Adventure: $81
  • Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
  • Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
  • Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
  • Koh Samui: Surron Electric Dirt Bike Jungle Adventure 2H: $93

Tours and Activities in Canberra

For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • Canberra Floriade Tour: $127
  • Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
  • Canberra One Day Tour: $244
  • Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $151
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
  • City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $125
  • Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour: $89
  • National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
  • Private Wine Discovery Tour with Lunch: $397

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Canberra $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.16

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
  • Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
  • 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $161
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
  • 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Canberra, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surat Thani is in Asia and Canberra is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra than you might in Surat Thani.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Canberra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Canberra?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 327700 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Canberra, 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 Surat Thani or Canberra?

Canberra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Surat Thani or Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Canberra 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Canberra. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Canberra 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Canberra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Surat Thani is much warmer than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Canberrain July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Canberra 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Surat Thani during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.

Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Canberra 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Canberra and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Canberra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


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