Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast 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.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Gold Coast?
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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast?
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."
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesGold Coast Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Gold Coast $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $119. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Gold Coast? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $140
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $139
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $139
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $133
- From Gold Coast : Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $132
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Business Car: $113
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
- Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
- Mt Tamborine Shuttle Service - Gold Coast Return Transfer: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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
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Food Meals for one daySurat Thani $28Gold Coast $47
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Brisbane/Sunset, Dinner, Stars/Premium Telescope: $79
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
- Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $310
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Gold Coast $19
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: $80
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- 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 Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- 1 Hour Amore Tour: $235
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $201
- 2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $44
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $58
- 2-Day Dreamworld and SkyPoint Admission Ticket: $87
- 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $268
- 30 Minutes Virtual Reality Gaming Experience in Southport: $40
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $39
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $220
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
- Book Private Tour for Banff-Yoho-Kootenay & Jasper Parks: $682
- Brisbane: Springbrook 7 Waterfalls and Natural Bridge Tour: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Gold Coast $5.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
- Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
- Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
- Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
- Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
- Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
- Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $167
- Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
- Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $959
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Gold Coast?
Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 527660 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
Both Gold Coast and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
Both Gold Coast and Surat Thani during the autumn 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, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Gold Coast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Gold Coast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Gold Coast. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
In April, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.