Which place is cheaper, Wellington 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 Wellington?
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 Wellington 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 Wellington?
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."
Wellington
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesWellington Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Wellington $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Wellington is $124. 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 Wellington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Wellington $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Wellington $120
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Wellington
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Wellington? 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: Wellington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Wellington $12
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 Wellington
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
- Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
- WLG Airport to City Private RoundTrip Transfer: $93
- Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
- Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
- Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
- Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Wellington?
Prices for flights to both Wellington 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 $28Wellington $51
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
Typical Food Prices in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Wellington $16
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 Wellington
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38
- Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
- Craft beers & car museum - Half Day Tour incl beverage samples: $99
- Craft beers & car museums - Full Day Tour incl beverage samples: $168
- Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour : $53
- From Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa: $108
- From Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour: $289
- From Martinborough Winery Tour: $111
- From Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Tour: $127
- Full Day Guided Wellington Tour including Cable Car: $150
- Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour: $177
- Full Day Tour of Wellington: $177
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Wellington $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $99
- From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $168
- Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
- Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $391
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Wellington?
Wellington has a larger population, and is about 381900 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Wellington, 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 Wellington?
Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Surat Thani is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Wellington 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Wellington in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Wellington. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Wellington 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Wellington in the Winter?
Both Wellington 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 Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Wellington. In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Wellington 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Wellington in the Spring?
Both Wellington 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. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.
In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Wellington 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Wellington and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Wellington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.