Which place is cheaper, Chengdu 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 Chengdu?
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 Chengdu. 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 Chengdu?
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.
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $58Chengdu $71
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $58, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $71. 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 Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Chengdu $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Chengdu $44
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Chengdu? 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 Chengdu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.00Chengdu $6.34
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$1.20
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Moped Rental$5.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai 2026 Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival with Transfer: $94
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $70
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $139
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $186
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Van Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $38
- Chiang Mai Airport To / From Hotel with Private Transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $52
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $274
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Chiang Mai International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Chengdu 3-Day Self-Guided Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong with Transfer: $412
- Algou Valley Hiking Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $289
- Chengdu Panda & Giant Buddha Day Tour With Private Transfer: $240
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $230
- 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Leshan Giant buddha with Round Airport Transfer: $205
- Downtown to Leshan round way transfer for one day service: $172
- Private Day Tour of Giant Pandas and Kuanzhai Alley with Transfer: $168
- Downtown to Dujiangyan round way transfer: $161
- Leshan Buddha Optional Tours w/ Transfer or Guide: $156
- Chengdu Private Round Trip Transfer to Emei Mountain: $128
- Round-Trip Private Transfer between Emei Shan and Chengdu City: $113
- Private Transfer from Chengdu to Mount Emei and Stops at Leshan Giant Buddha: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu 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 $20Chengdu $40
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)$5.86
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.72
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Casual Breakfast$1.20
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.01
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Mangoes$0.90
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Coffee$1.50
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
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $27
- Chiang Mai Lanna Thai Cooking Class with Mae Malai Market: $27
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class: $27
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $27
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $28
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $28
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Chengdu Food Tour Local Delicacies and Ear Cleaning: $59
- Private Chengdu TukTuk Food Tour: Hidden Alleys & Local Eats: $59
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu Local Eats: $68
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $73
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
- Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $80
- Eat with Locals Chengdu Dinner Tour: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Chengdu $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$39
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.80
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Kratong Lessons$3.00
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Pedicure$4.51
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.41
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $6.08
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $8.73
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Chiang Mai Old City Temple Tour: $12
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $15
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- FAM Fahlanna Art Museum Admission Ticket, Chiang Mai: $17
- Chiang Mai Temples & Old City Hidden Gems Small Group Tour 2 Hrs: $18
- Best seller!! Amazing Night tour, Doi Suthep + Wat umong - Top Must visit!: $19
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half Day Boat Tour: $19
- Doi Suthep Temple, Wat Pha Lat, Hmong Village Tour (Comfort Van): $20
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Panda Breeding Center Plus Chengdu City Tour: $175
- 1 Day Tea Trip in Mount Mengding with Tea Making Experience: $150
- 1 Day Wolong Panda Nature Reserve Tour: $204
- 1 day Chengdu City Highlights Mini Group tour: $102
- 1-Day Chengdu Ancient History and Culture City Tour: $179
- 1-Day Chengdu Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour With the Lunch and Boat tour: $242
- 1-Day Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour with the Lunch: $246
- 1-Day Chengdu Panda Research Base and Sanxingdui Archeological Museum Tour: $256
- 1-Day Chengdu Private Tour: Dujiangyan Ancient River Irrigation and Temple Site: $213
- 1-Day Chengdu tour with Panda Base, Renmin Park,Wenshu Temple and Hot Pot Lunch: $193
- 1-Day Dujiangyan Self-Guided Tour: Panda Volunteer and Water Irrigation System: $123
- 1-Day Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour with the Lunch from Chengdu: $229
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.44Chengdu $4.20
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$3.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chengdu Pub Crawl: $10
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Evening Food and Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Chengdu, we can see that Chengdu 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 Chengdu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chengdu 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 Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Chengdu?
Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Chengdu, 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.