Which place is cheaper, Osaka 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 Osaka?
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 Osaka 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 Osaka?
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."
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Osaka $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $110. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Osaka $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Osaka? 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Osaka $14
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $282
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $259
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $258
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $244
- Private Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $238
- Private Transfer Between Kyoto and Kansai Airport KIX: $234
- Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $227
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $222
- Universal Studios Japan Round Trip Shared Transfer with ticket: $219
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $28Osaka $45
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Osaka $21
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 6 Hours Osaka Tour with National Licensed Guide: $250
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Temple Nara Park Tour from Osaka and Kyoto: $100
- Explore Osaka with Wine Class and Tasting Experience: $110
- Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets Bus Tour Experience: $103
- Miyama Kayabuki no Sato 1 Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: $241
- Nara Deer Park,Uji Matcha and Hot Spring Full-Day Tour: $52
- 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $74
- 150min Full Body and Oil Massage with Japanese Healing Experience: $164
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $34
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable : $165
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $124
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 2592410 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Osaka. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Osaka. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Osaka. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka 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, many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Osaka. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka 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, many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 8°C (47°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.