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

Should you visit Amman or Chiang Mai?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Chiang Mai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Amman or Chiang Mai?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok.


Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Amman?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $57. 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 Amman and Chiang Mai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Chiang Mai $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Chiang Mai $56
Compare Hotels in Amman and Chiang Mai

Looking for a hotel in Amman 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.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in Chiang Mai


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: Amman Hotel Prices and Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Chiang Mai $3.94
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

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

  • Private Transfer from Amman to Petra, Wadi Musa: $259
  • Transfer to Petra from Amman /Amman Airport: $250
  • From Dead Sea and Petra Day Trip with Transfers: $249
  • Amman Private Transfer To Tel Aviv With VIP service: $240
  • Petra Transfer From Or To Amman: $230
  • Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $223
  • Transfer Amman To/From Petra: $200
  • Private Transfer From Amman Airport To Petra: $190
  • Amman to Jerusalem Private Transfer: $160
  • Amman Private Transfer To Jerusalem With VIP Service: $150
  • Wadi Rum Private Transfer to or from Amman or Airport: $150
  • Amman or Amman Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $140

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $1.18
  • Moped Rental
    $5.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai

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

  • Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $210
  • Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $9.67
  • Transfer from Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport.: $43
  • Sticky Waterfall Retreat and Chet Si Fountain Transfer: $21
  • Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
  • Private Vehicle: Transfer from Airport in Chiang Mai: $21
  • Private Van: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer : $52
  • Private Transfer: Four Seasons Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport: $26
  • Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
  • Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $167
  • Private Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport (One-Way): $19
  • Private Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel in Chiang Mai by Car and Van: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Chiang Mai?

Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Amman 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
    Amman $58
    Chiang Mai $19
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

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

  • Private 2 Hour Cooking Class with the Locals in Amman: $70
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Amman: $100
  • Private Panoramic Amman Tour and Local Lunch or Dinner-Wine Taste: $107
  • Private Half Day Jerash Visit & Optional Cooking Class from Amman: $107
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $117
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at Alee Restaurant in Amman : $120
  • Half Day Cooking Class Experience with Amman Panoramic Tour: $127
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140

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)
    $5.77
  • Roti Snack (Bread)
    $0.71
  • Casual Breakfast
    $1.18
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.92
  • Mangoes
    $0.89
  • Coffee
    $1.48

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
  • Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
  • Guided Michelin Street Food Tour Small Group: $20
  • Small Group Chiang Mai MICHELIN Street Food Tour (Foods Included): $20
  • Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $21
  • Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $24
  • Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $24
  • Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Shw in Chiang Mai Ticket: $26
  • HALF-DAY COOKING COURSE at a Thai Cooking Farm: $27
  • Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
  • The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $27
  • Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Chiang Mai $14

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • From Amman :Private day tour to Jerash and Ajloun: $80
  • Full Day Petra and Wadi Rum Private Tour: $170
  • Um Qais Private Tour Enjoy The History And Stunning Scenery.: $130
  • 1 Day Tour to Amman Jerash and Ajloun castle : $215
  • 1-Night Private Overnight Madaba Independent Tour from Amman: $170
  • 1-Night Private Overnight Wadi Mujib Independent Tour from Amman: $271
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra and Wadi Rum Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Tour to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman: $200
  • 2 Days Group Tour From Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead sea: $513
  • 2 Days Petra & Wadi Rum Tour from and to Amman: $232
  • 2 Days Petra Private Guided Tour: $240

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
    $38
  • Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket
    $1.78
  • Kratong Lessons
    $2.96
  • Pedicure
    $4.44
  • Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)
    $5.33

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 Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $30
  • One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $43
  • Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $87
  • 1 Day Chiangmai Walking and Sightseeing Tours: $210
  • 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $149
  • 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
  • 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $182
  • 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $164
  • 1-Day Trip: Chiang Mai to Mon Jam Adventure.: $166
  • 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $112
  • 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $121

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Chiang Mai $7.33

Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai

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


  • Wine
    $2.96

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Amman or Chiang Mai?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Amman 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.


When is the best time to visit Amman or Chiang Mai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Amman or Chiang Mai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during summer. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amman is generally cooler than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 25°C (77°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Amman or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amman as well as Chiang Mai. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Chiang Mai. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the autumn, Amman often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun.

Amman is cooler than Chiang Mai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Amman or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

Both Chiang Mai and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. It's quite rainy in Amman. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. Amman usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during winter. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Amman is much colder than Chiang Mai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amman in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 23°C (74°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Amman or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

Both Chiang Mai and Amman during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.

June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Amman usually gets less rain in April than Chiang Mai. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Amman. In the spring, Amman often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chiang Mai. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In April, Amman is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 16°C (61°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Amman

Amman Chiang Mai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 31°C (88°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 31°C (87°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 29°C (83°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)