Which place is cheaper, Havana or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Mai or Havana?
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 Havana. 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Havana $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Havana 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Havana $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Havana? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Havana $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
-
Moped Rental$4.91
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 : $83
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $27
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $270
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $195
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfalls transfer: $22
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Four Seasons Hotel: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $55
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $76
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Airport PRIVATE Arrival or Departure Transfer : $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
-
Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $10Havana $10
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)$5.32
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
-
Casual Breakfast$1.09
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
-
Mangoes$0.82
-
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
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
-
Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Havana $11
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$35
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.64
-
Kratong Lessons$2.73
-
Pedicure$4.09
-
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Havana $5.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
-
Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Havana, we can see that Havana 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 Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana 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 Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Havana?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Havana, 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 Havana?
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 Havana in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Havana. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Havana. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Havana in the Autumn?
Both Havana 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 Havana 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 Havana. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Havana in the Winter?
Both Havana 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 Havana year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Havana. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Havana in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Havana 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 Havana. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.