Which place is cheaper, Xi'an 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 Xi'an?
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 Xi'an 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 Xi'an?
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."
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Xi'an $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $105. 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 Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Xi'an $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Xi'an $122
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Xi'an? 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 $27Xi'an $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- 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
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an: 5-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Transfers: $574
- Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $300
- Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $254
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
- Xian Highlights Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $245
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
- Xi'an Layover: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum With Airport Transfer: $229
- Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall: $225
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $216
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $214
- Xian City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda Tour With Airport Transfer: $206
- Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Pickup or Drop-off Transfer: $199
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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 $28Xi'an $22
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 Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Xi'an $36
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $22
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $32
- Pig Island Koh Taen Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat from Koh Samui: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $65
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
- Private Half Day Tour to The Terracotta Warriors Museum: $88
- 1 Day Beijing to Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour by Air: $779
- 1 Day Private Tour to Terracotta Army & Huaqing Pool, No Shopping: $129
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
- 1 day Adventure Tour of Mount Hua in Xi'an: $85
- 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
- 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
- 2 Day Private Terracotta Warriors and Mount Huashan Tour: $265
- 2 Days Beijing Xian Private Tour by Bullet Trains with Hotel: $287
- 2 Days Xian Customized Tour for Terracotta Warriors and More: $235
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Xi'an $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an 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 Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 3225810 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Xi'an, 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.
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.