Which place is cheaper, Taipei or Chennai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chennai or Taipei?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Taipei? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Chennai or Taipei?
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
Taipei
Few cities in the world are full of more diverse opportunities than the cultural crosshairs city of Taipei. As the capital of Taiwan, this 300-year-old city is the financial, cultural and governmental center of Taiwan. Located in the northern part of the island between the Yangming Mountains and Central Mountains, this city of 2.6 million people is always ready to welcome more visitors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $29Taipei $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $29, while the average daily cost in Taipei is $183. 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 Chennai and Taipei in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Taipei $147
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Taipei $294
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Taipei
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Taipei? 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: Chennai Hotel Prices and Taipei Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.60Taipei $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VIP Chennai Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $24
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $38
- Private Transfer from Chennai (MAA) Airport to Chennai City: $38
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $28
- Private Chennai to Pondicherry Transfer: $130
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
- From Private Transfer to Tanjore Car & Driver: $133
- From One-Way Transfer to Kumbakonam Car & Driver: $119
- From One-Way Transfer to Kodaikanal Car & Driver: $191
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Taipei
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Taipei:
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Easycard$2.03
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Easycard$9.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taipei
Also for Taipei, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Taiwan: 4 days Taipei Package- Airport Transfer+ 2 days tour: $600
- Flowserve Nine-seat-Taiwan travel charter, charter tour, business transfer, round-the-island tour, airport shuttle charter service: $256
- Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Jiaoxi - Arrival Private Transfer: $246
- Taipei Taoyuan Airport(TPE)to Tai'an Township-Round-Trip Transfer: $158
- Luxury Chartered Private Transfer from Taipei to Taoyuan Airport: $139
- Private Transfer from Taoyuan Intl Airport to Taoyuan or Taipei city: $130
- Taipei Private Transfer: Taiwan International Airport to Keelung Cruise Port: $115
- Private Transfer from Taipei Taoyuan Airport(TPE) to Hualien Port: $106
- Taoyuan airport to Yilan Private Transfer: $105
- Private Transfer from Taipei city hotels to Hualien Cruise Port: $96
- Private Transfer from Taipei Taoyuan Airport to Hualien Port: $96
- Taiwan International Airport Private Transfer: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Taipei?
Prices for flights to both Taipei and Chennai 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 dayChennai $6.37Taipei $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2 Hour Street Food Tour in Sowcarpet Chennai : $37
- Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
- Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai : $48
- South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
- Traditional Tamil Brahmin Vegetarian Cooking Lesson with a Local in Her Home: $74
- Private 3-Hour Cooking Lesson and Meal in Chennai: $100
- Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
- Private South Indian Cooking Class and Market Visit in Chennai: $152
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $216
Typical Food Prices in Taipei
For Taipei, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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EasyCard$16
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Lunch at The Can$6.87
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EasyCard$31
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Lunch$2.96
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Lunch$1.87
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Dinner$6.24
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Lunch$3.59
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Lunch$4.68
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Louisa coffee$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Taipei
For Taipei, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Historic Night Market Food Tour with Tastings: $45
- Local Favorites: Taiwan Night Market Food Tour in 2 hours: $49
- Taipei Shrimping Food Tour: Shrimping, Beer, Jazz, Food Incl: $52
- Taipei Food Tour: Yongkang Street for Foodies: $58
- Taipei Food Tour: $58
- Backstreet Food Tour: Food, Culture, and Fun: $75
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $76
- Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77
- Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77
- Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77
- Iconic Food Tour: Local Street Food, Drinks & Sites: $78
- Taipei : Private Food Tour With A Guide: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.75Taipei $17
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- Chennai Private Tour with Female Guide: $98
- A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $90
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $44
- Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
- Bicycle tour in Mahabalipuram with transport from Chennai,lunch & guide: $94
- Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
- British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $47
- CHENNAI FULL DAY TOUR: $72
- Chennai - Guided half day private city tour : $52
- Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $26
- Chennai Delights: Exploring the Best of the City Tour: $198
- Chennai Full Day Guided Tour in a Private Car: $119
Tours and Activities in Taipei
For Taipei, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- One-Day Historical and Heritage Tour in Taipei : $57
- Yamingshan Volcano, Beitou Thermal Valley, Danshui Private Tour: $198
- 1-day Tour to Sun Moon Lake from Taipei by High Speed Rail : $250
- 2-Day Private Tour to Sun Moon Lake and Mount Hehuan: $195
- 2-Hour Private Longshan Temple Walking Tour: $35
- 2-Hour Private Ximending Area Walking Tour: $35
- 2-Hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - S.Y.S. Memorial Hall & 44 South Village: $58
- 2-Hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - Xingtian Temple: $55
- 2-hr Ningxia Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide: $35
- 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide: $35
- 4 Days Private Tour Taipei, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake & Taichung: $1,079
- 4-Hour Morning Cycling Tour in Taipei (incl. breakfast): $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $3.06Taipei $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Taipei
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taipei:
- Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes): $28
- Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes): $30
- Private Tour to Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery: $130
- Private Tour Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery from Taipei : $214
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Taipei, we can see that Taipei is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Taipei would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taipei than you might in Chennai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chennai Expensive? and Is Taipei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Taipei?
Taipei has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Taipei, 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.