Should I Visit Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok.

Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Addis Ababa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Addis Ababa Prices
Ethiopia Prices

Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Addis Ababa $36

Chiang Mai $55

The average daily cost (per person) in Addis Ababa is $36, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $55. 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 Addis Ababa and Chiang Mai in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Addis Ababa $20

Chiang Mai $27
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Addis Ababa $40

Chiang Mai $54

Compare Hotels in Addis Ababa and Chiang Mai

Looking for a hotel in Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai? 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: Addis Ababa Hotel Prices and Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Addis Ababa $3.53

Chiang Mai $3.83

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Addis Ababa are as follows:

Short Taxi Ride

$0.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa

Also for Addis Ababa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Lalibela Full Day Tour with Guide and Transfer: $130
Addis Ababa Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $82
Addis Ababa Airport in/out transfer: $49
City/Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa - Shuttles: $36
City and Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa: $35
City/Airport Transfers-Addis Ababa: $35
Transfer Services Addis Abeba Airport : $23
Addis Ababa Airport pickup and Transfer: $19
Addis Ababa Airport transfer and shuttle service(privet): $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:

Tuk Tuk Ride

$1.15
Moped Rental

$5.18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai

Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $343
Chiang Mai's Top 2 Activities with Return Airport Transfers: $257
Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
Chiang Rai:Private Transfer to Chiang Mai with Temples Visit: $245
Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $231
Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $210
Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $205
Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $164
From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $159
Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $158
Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $135
ATV Riding and Grand Canyon Chiang Mai Include Pickup Transfer: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Addis Ababa 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

Food Meals for one day

Addis Ababa $14

Chiang Mai $19

Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Addis Ababa:

Slice of Cake

$0.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa

For Addis Ababa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Food tour in Addis Ababa with airport pick-up.: $56
Ethiopian cooking class: $61
Local Ethiopian Food Tour Addis Ababa: $62
Ethiopian Cultural Dinner in Addis Ababa with LIVE Traditional Dance Show: $77
Private City Tour with Folkloric Dinner: $80
Yod Abyssinia Cultural Night: Dinner, Music, and Dance: $81
Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch: $85
Half Day Food Tour Addis Ababa With Airport pickUp And Drop-Off: $90
Addis abeba Full Cooking class.: $90
Cooking class in Addis Ababa: $95
Local Ethiopian Food Tour: $100
Unique Ethiopian Cooking Class and Coffee Ceremony with a Local in Addis Ababa: $116

Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:

Sit Down Dinner (for One)

$5.62
Roti Snack (Bread)

$0.69
Casual Breakfast

$1.15
Casual Lunch (for Two)

$5.76
Mangoes

$0.86
Coffee

$1.44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai

For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $12
Guided Michelin Street Food Tour Small Group: $18
Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $21
Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $23
Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $24
HALF-DAY COOKING COURSE at a Thai Cooking Farm: $26
Thai Cooking Class in the Organic Farm & Market: $27
Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $27
Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $27
The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $27
Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $29

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Addis Ababa $3.65

Chiang Mai $13

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Addis Ababa.

Airport Layover Tour | Addis highlights, National Palace, Coffee Ceremony: $200
Fullday VIP Tour to The Unity Park, Friendship Park, Entoto park: $188
"Awash National Park Safari Experience": $280
1 Day Addis Ababa City Tour: $180
2 Day Lalibela Tours: $300
2 Day Private Tour in Addis Ababa Ethiopia: $211
2 Days Awash National Park Safari Tours: $311
4 Hour Addis Cuisine Tasting Tour: $59
4 Hours Addis Ababa highlights city tour from Bole airport: $75
A guided tour of Addis Abeba that includes a city viewpoint: $62
Addis Ababa AFull day experience history culture &local acti: $140
Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour: $75

Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai

For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

Thai Cooking Class

$37
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket

$1.73
Kratong Lessons

$2.88
Pedicure

$4.32
Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)

$5.18

Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.

9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
Chiang Mai ATV, Hiking and Rafting Adventure: $85
Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $29
One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $42
Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $85
1 Day Chiangmai Walking and Sightseeing Tours: $205
1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $146
1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $178
1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $160
1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $138
1-Day Trip: Chiang Mai to Mon Jam Adventure.: $161

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Addis Ababa $3.01

Chiang Mai $7.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:

Pub-crawl Tour ( locally crafted beer and wine tasting ): $52
Night Tour Addis Ababa beer and wine tasting: $65
Locally crafted beer and wine tasting and nightlife in Addis tour: $77

Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:

Wine

$2.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:

Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Nightlife in Town!: $10

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Addis Ababa and Chiang Mai, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. And not only is Addis Ababa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Addis Ababa is in Africa and Chiang Mai is in Asia, 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 Addis Ababa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Addis Ababa 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 Chiang Mai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Mai than you might in Addis Ababa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Addis Ababa Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Addis Ababa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Addis Ababa and Chiang Mai, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Addis Ababa vs. Chiang Mai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Addis Ababa

Chiang Mai

Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Addis Ababa?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Addis Ababa and Chiang Mai

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai

Is it cheaper to fly into Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa

Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai

Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai

Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai

Which is Bigger, Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Related Articles for Chiang Mai

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Addis Ababa vs. Chiang Mai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Addis Ababa

Chiang Mai

Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Addis Ababa?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Addis Ababa and Chiang Mai

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai

Is it cheaper to fly into Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa

Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai

Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai

Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai

Which is Bigger, Addis Ababa or Chiang Mai?

Related Articles for Chiang Mai

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