Thailand vs Bali: which costs less?
Both normalised to a 9-day trip, one person, mid-range. On the ground, Thailand comes out about $115 cheaper. Adding airfare does not change the ranking from any departure city we price.
Thailand
$865$96 / day · 9 days · on the ground
The most-connected destination in the region, which keeps airfare low from most origins. On-the-ground costs run above Vietnam, especially on the islands.
Full Thailand breakdown →
Bali
$980$110 / day · 9 days · on the ground
A single island, so internal transport stays low, but accommodation spans a wider range than anywhere else in the region — from $8 dorms to $400 villas within a few kilometres.
Full Bali breakdown →Daily costs, line by line
| Category | Thailand | Bali | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $310 | $290 | Bali cheaper by $20 |
| Food & drink | $180 | $245 | Thailand cheaper by $65 |
| Local transport | $53 | $110 | Thailand cheaper by $57 |
| Activities & entry fees | $165 | $230 | Thailand cheaper by $65 |
| Total on the ground | $865 | $980 | Thailand by $115 |
Over 9 days, mid-range, excluding international airfare and visa.
Total cost by departure city
Airfare is the variable that decides this question for most travellers. Here is the same comparison with flights and visa included, from each city we hold fares for.
| From | Thailand total | Bali total | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai · BOM | $1,150 | $1,460 | Thailand by $315 |
| Delhi · DEL | $1,130 | $1,480 | Thailand by $360 |
| Bengaluru · BLR | $1,120 | $1,440 | Thailand by $320 |
| Dubai · DXB | $1,470 | $1,800 | Thailand by $335 |
| London · LHR | $1,750 | $2,140 | Thailand by $395 |
| New York · JFK | $2,020 | $2,410 | Thailand by $395 |
By travel style
| Style | Thailand | Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $300 | $335 |
| Mid-range | $865 | $980 |
| Comfort | $2,150 | $2,630 |
Cheapest months, compared
Thailand
Cheapest: Jun–Oct (Green season)
Priciest: Dec–Feb (Cool and dry peak)
Bali
Cheapest: Jan–Apr, Nov (Wet season)
Priciest: Dec (Christmas and New Year)
Thailand vs Bali: questions
Is Thailand cheaper than Bali?
On the ground, Thailand is cheaper — about $115 less for a 9-day mid-range trip. Once airfare is added the answer depends on where you start: the ranking holds from every departure city we hold fares for.
Which is cheaper to fly to?
It varies by origin. From Mumbai, Thailand works out about $315 cheaper in total. From Delhi, Thailand works out about $360 cheaper in total. From Bengaluru, Thailand works out about $320 cheaper in total. From Dubai, Thailand works out about $335 cheaper in total. From London, Thailand works out about $395 cheaper in total. From New York, Thailand works out about $395 cheaper in total.
Which is better value overall?
Cost is only one axis, and this page deliberately only answers the cost question. Thailand: The most-connected destination in the region, which keeps airfare low from most origins. On-the-ground costs run above Vietnam, especially on the islands. Bali: A single island, so internal transport stays low, but accommodation spans a wider range than anywhere else in the region — from $8 dorms to $400 villas within a few kilometres.
Where these numbers come from
This page is not yet verified. 15 of 15 line items are reasoned estimates rather than checked prices. Treat the total as a planning range, not a quote, and confirm current prices before you book.
- Data confidence
- Estimated 0 verified · 0 sampled · 15 estimated
- Oldest figure
- October 2026
- Record last reviewed
- October 2026
- Exchange rates
- October 2026 (Static table — pending live feed)
Sources
- Placeholder estimate — not verified