Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cairo or Chiang Mai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Chiang Mai 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: Cairo or Chiang Mai?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Chiang Mai $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $45. 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 Cairo and Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.27Chiang Mai $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Chiang Mai $52
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.96Chiang Mai $3.61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- From Private Day Trip to Luxor w/ Transfer & Flights: $659
- 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
- Cairo - Sharm El Sheikh: One-Way or Return Private Transfer: $290
- Full-Day Private Trip to Fayoum from Cairo, with Transfer: $286
- 2 Days and 2 Evenings Private Tour in Cairo include airport transfer and M&A: $280
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $280
- From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $275
- 2-Day-One night Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $274
- Private Pickup Transfers From Cairo To Dahab: $260
- Cairo : Marvel the Camping in the White & Black Deserts & Cairo Private Transfer: $250
- Private 3 Days in Giza Cairo and Alexandria including Free airport transfers: $250
- Cairo To El Gouna Private Transfer: $248
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2-Day Transfer Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai by Sleeper Bus : $83
- ATV Riding and Grand Canyon Chiang Mai Include Pickup Transfer: $90
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $273
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfalls transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Four Seasons Hotel: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $27
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $77
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Airport PRIVATE Arrival or Departure Transfer : $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Cairo 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 dayCairo $4.70Chiang Mai $10
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Cairo Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
- Giza Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
- Cairo Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $11
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $13
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
- 2-Hour Nile River Night Dinner Cruise from Cairo: $16
- Super Safari Quad Bike Jeep Safari Buggy and Dinner in Hurghada: $18
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $19
- Dinner Cruise Cairo With Belly Dancer Show in The Nile River: $20
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, ATV, shopping Tour and Dinner cruise: $20
- Giza pyramids and Nile dinner cruise private tour from Cairo Giza hotels: $22
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
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 Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.69Chiang Mai $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.43
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ( Stopover Tour Of Cairo ) Private All Inc.Pyramids,Camel Ride,Museum& Lunch: $180
- 2 Days 1 Nights Tour package to Saint-Catherine from Cairo : $300
- 2-Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Pyramids and Museums: $219
- 2-Day Private Tour of Cairo with Accommodation and Entrance Fees: $165
- 2-Days Tour at Cairo & Giza: $86
- 2-Days Tours at Cairo & Giza : $143
- 3-Day Cairo Top Attractions Exploration Tour: $180
- 3-Day Private Tour in Cairo : $196
- 3-Days Tour at Cairo (Customized Package): $229
- All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour to All Pyramids and Cairo and 2 evenings: $299
- All Inclusive Full-Day Tour to Pyramids, Museum, mosque and Felucca: $79
- All Inclusive day tour to Giza pyramids, Egyptian museum and Felucca : $88
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.73
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $12
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Tweechol Botanic Garden Half Day Adventure : $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 2 Hrs: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.16Chiang Mai $6.73
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Chiang Mai, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Chiang Mai?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo or Chiang Mai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cairo or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
Both Chiang Mai and Cairo during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo 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. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Chiang Mai. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun.
Cairo is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Cairo is cooler than Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Chiang Mai. Cairo 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. Cairo usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 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 Cairo this time of the year. In the winter, Cairo often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun.
In January, Cairo is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
Both Chiang Mai and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chiang Mai during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Cairo is cooler than Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Cairo
| Cairo | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.