Which place is cheaper, Antigua Guatemala or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Antigua Guatemala?
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 Chiang Mai and Antigua Guatemala. 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: Chiang Mai or Antigua Guatemala?
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.
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesAntigua Guatemala Prices
Guatemala Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $57Antigua Guatemala $74
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $57, while the average daily cost in Antigua Guatemala is $74. 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 Chiang Mai and Antigua Guatemala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $28Antigua Guatemala $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $56Antigua Guatemala $44
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Antigua Guatemala
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Antigua Guatemala? 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.94Antigua Guatemala $13
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$1.18
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Moped Rental$5.33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $274
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern 2026 by Voyage of Light with Transfer: $221
- Chiang Mai Transfer via Si Satchanalai & Lamphun: $217
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $182
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- 3 Days 2 Nights Slow Boat Transfer to Luang Prabang: $120
- Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026 Ticket with Transfers: $115
- Chiang Mai White-Water Rafting Trips with Lunch and Transfers: $101
- Chiang Mai 2026 Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival with Transfer: $94
- Chiang Mai Zipline Packages with Lunch and Round-Trip Transfers: $83
- Private Airport Transfer: Chiang Mai (CNX) ⇆ Chiang Mai Hotels: $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel: $194
- Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Semuc Champey or Coban: $182
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Antigua: $90
- Private transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Santa Catarina Palopó: $88
- From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
- Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach: $85
- One Way Shared Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Flores Peten: $79
- One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Panajachel: $75
- Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $69
- Private airport transfer Antigua: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Antigua Guatemala?
Prices for flights to both Antigua Guatemala and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $20Antigua Guatemala $25
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)$5.77
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.71
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Casual Breakfast$1.18
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.92
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Mangoes$0.89
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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 Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $27
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class: $27
- Chiang Mai Cooking Class Adventure Tour: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $27
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Chaing Mai by Tomyumthai School: $27
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $28
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $29
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
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Lunch$3.27
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Lunch$7.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.: $38
- Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan: $38
- Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family: $48
- Mayan Meals Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $59
- Pepián Plates Antigua Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $59
- Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
- Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
- Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option: $72
- Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $75
- Antigua Local: Evening Street Food Tour with Dinner: $84
- Cooking Class With Local Family: $84
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Antigua Guatemala $15
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$38
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.78
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Kratong Lessons$2.96
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Pedicure$4.44
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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.
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $158
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province: $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $198
- 1 Day Trek and Bamboo Rafting Tour in Chiang Mai: $82
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $82
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $164
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $144
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking and 3HR Trekking Adventure: $106
- 2 DAYS MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE Chiang Mai Chiang Dao Route: $231
- 2 Days Baan Pa Pong Piang and Doi Inthanon National Park Tour: $252
- 2-Day Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng Valley active tour: $252
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- ¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!: $100
- 2 - Days : Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $150
- 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
- 2-Day, 1-Night Tour of Volcano Acatenango from Antigua: $92
- 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $220
- 4 Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $35
- 4-Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $25
- 4WD Acatenango Volcano Tour & Fuego / All Inclusive !: $400
- 4WD experience to Acatenango Volcano/Fuego Volcano from Antigua: $333
- 4x4 tour from Antigua with a night camp in front of the Fuego volcano: $1,300
- ANTIGUA Villages Tour: $103
- ATV Off Road Adventure at Pacaya Volcano from Antigua: $99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.34Antigua Guatemala $12
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$2.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: 4 Venues, Beer Buffet & VIP Entry: $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:
- Antigua Bar Crawl: $26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Antigua Guatemala, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Antigua Guatemala is in Central America, 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 Antigua Guatemala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antigua Guatemala 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 Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Antigua Guatemala?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Antigua Guatemala, 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.