Which place is cheaper, Delhi or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Mai or Delhi?
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 Delhi. 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 Delhi?
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.
Delhi
Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India, and The Best Photography Tours in India.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $49Delhi $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $49, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $44. 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 Delhi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $28Delhi $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $56Delhi $46
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Delhi
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Delhi? 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 Delhi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.94Delhi $5.25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.19
-
Moped Rental$5.33
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 : $92
- ATV Riding and Grand Canyon Chiang Mai Include Pickup Transfer: $100
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $28
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $300
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $216
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfall transfer by van (half-day ): $29
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $18
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport PRIVATE Arrival or Departure Transfer : $23
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $10
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$0.12
-
Taxi to Airport$1.90
-
Subway$0.38
-
Uber Cab$0.95
-
Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.79
-
Auto-rickshaw$1.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.: $275
- 3-Days Amritsar tour from Delhi Includes Hotel,Train tickets & Transfers: $200
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Corbett National Park with Brunch: $199
- 3-days Jaipur,Delhi Tour by Fast Train includes,Train tickets,Hotel & Transfers: $190
- A Delectable Meal At The Great Kebab Factory with Private Transfer: $172
- From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $169
- Private Transfer Delhi to Amritsar: $150
- Private Transfer New Delhi To Shimla : $150
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Agra via Vrindavan & Mathura: $145
- One-Way Private Transfer From Delhi To Pushkar: $144
- Indira Gandhi Airport(DEL) to Delhi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- One Way Private Transfer Delhi to Agra Including Guided Tour: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Delhi?
Prices for flights to both Delhi 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
-
Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $11Delhi $12
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
-
Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.78
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.71
-
Casual Breakfast$1.19
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.93
-
Mangoes$0.89
-
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 Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $12
- Chiang Mai : Small Group Thai Cooking class with market tour: $19
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $24
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $25
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $25
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $25
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $27
- We Cook Thai Home Garden Cooking School: $27
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $27
Typical Food Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:
-
McDonalds$3.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
- Old Delhi Food Tour with local, A must for Indian culinary lover!: $21
- Online: Indian Food Cooking Class: $33
- Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
- Indian Cooking and Dining experience. : $37
- Food Tour to Old Delhi with a Local: $38
- Vegetarian : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $44
- Delhi by Evening Tour by Private Air-Condition vehicle includes Dinner. : $45
- Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $47
- Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
- Indian Cooking Class in Authentic Indian Home - (Learn 6 Things): $54
- Delhi Food Tour - Food included: $55
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Delhi $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Thai Cooking Class$39
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.78
-
Kratong Lessons$2.96
-
Pedicure$4.45
-
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.
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.21
- Sights & Highlights Walking tour: $6.60
- Chiangmai: Temple Walking Tour with ex-monk, part 1.: $9.76
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $13
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- 3 Hour Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Chiangmai: Temple Walking Tour with ex-monk, part II: $15
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $15
- Historical and Culture Exploration Walking Tour: $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi
Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Red Fort$10
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Agra Taj Mahal Overnight Tour from Delhi: $199
- 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $299
- 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $147
- 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
- Agra Overnight Tour by Car from Delhi: $300
- All Inclusive Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj Tour From Delhi : $40
- All Inclusive: Same day Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $50
- Bharatpur Birding adventure from Delhi: $159
- Delhi Agra Jaipur 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $36
- Delhi Evening City Tour with Guide: $53
- Delhi Local tour with Agra, 2 Days Tour (All inclusive) : $40
- Delhi's historical 7 hours experience tour : $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.34Delhi $8.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$2.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Nightlife in Town!: $11
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Delhi, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Delhi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Delhi?
Delhi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Delhi, 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 Delhi?
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 Delhi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Delhi. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Delhi. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Delhi. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Delhi. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delhi receives 166 hours of full sun.
Delhi can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Delhi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Delhi averages at about 31°C (88°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Delhi 31°C (88°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Delhi in the Autumn?
Both Delhi and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Delhi. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Delhi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Delhi during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Delhi receives 269 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Delhi. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Delhi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Delhi 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Delhi in the Winter?
Both Delhi and Chiang Mai during the winter 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 Delhi year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Delhi. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Delhi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Delhi. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delhi receives 215 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Delhi in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Delhi fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Delhi 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Delhi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Delhi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Delhi. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Delhi during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Delhi receives 261 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Delhi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Delhi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Delhi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Delhi and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Delhi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 34°C (93°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.