Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Cebu?
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 Cebu. 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 Cebu?
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.
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Cebu $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $65. 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 Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Cebu $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Cebu? 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 Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Cebu $26
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$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $5.30
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $5.30
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer to Hotel Or From Hotel To Airport : $5.41
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way) : $7.47
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Chiangmai Town: $8.87
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer: $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $190
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Oslob Car Hire and Transfers: $150
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer: $108
- Cebu Whale Shark Snorkeling & Tumalog Falls w/ Meals and Transfer: $95
- Transfer Cebu City - Bantayan Island: $70
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Lapu-Lapu city: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu 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 $10Cebu $21
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)$5.32
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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)$5.46
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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
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $67
- Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $69
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $89
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $108
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Cebu $17
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$1.64
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Kratong Lessons$2.73
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Pedicure$4.09
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
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: $7.65
- 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 : $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 2 Hrs: $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- A snorkelling tour to Cebu’s Hilutungan: $130
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $84
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $80
- Beach Adventure: $85
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour from Cebu City or Mactan - Best Seller: $155
- Bohol Countryside Joiners Tour From Cebu City: $144
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City: $213
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City All Day Tour; An Unforgettable Experience of Cebu.: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Cebu $14
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$2.73
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!: $9.46
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Cebu, we can see that Cebu is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Cebu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cebu 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 Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Cebu?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Cebu, 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 Chiang Mai or Cebu?
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 Chiang Mai or Cebu in the Summer?
Both Cebu and Chiang Mai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cebu. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Cebu in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cebu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Cebu. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cebu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Cebu. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally cooler than Cebu. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cebu in the Spring?
Both Cebu and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cebu. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Cebu in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.