Which place is cheaper, Hyderabad or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Hyderabad?
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 Hyderabad. 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 Hyderabad?
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.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad, located in Southern India, is the capital of the state of Telangana. It is a city rich with history and tradition as well as booming in the technology industry, hosting the India headquarters for both Microsoft and Google. In addition to many upscale restaurants and shops, Hyderabad is also home to important historic sites and beautiful landmarks.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 2-Week Tours in India, and The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Hyderabad $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Hyderabad is $50. 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 Hyderabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Hyderabad $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Hyderabad $42
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Hyderabad
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Hyderabad? 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 Hyderabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Hyderabad $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$1.09
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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:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $270
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $216
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $203
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $195
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $191
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $152
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $149
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $143
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $127
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Share Transfer: $85
- 2-Day Transfer Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai by Sleeper Bus : $83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hyderabad
Also for Hyderabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Full Day Ramoji Film City Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $115
- 6-hours Golconda Fort & Qutub Shahi Tombs Tour with transfer: $97
- Private Transfer Round Trip Downtown to Hyderabad Airport: $87
- Private Transfer from Rajiv Gandhi (HYD) Airport to Hyderabad: $62
- Private Transfer from Hyderabad to Rajiv Gandhi (HYD) Airport: $62
- US$ 40 Safe Transfer Airport To City Hotels In A Private Car Upto 3pax: $43
- Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi Airport(HYD) to Downtown hotels- Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Mumbai/Goa/Kochi/Bangalore - Private One-Way Transfer: $24
- Hyderabad Airport Transfer: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Hyderabad?
Prices for flights to both Hyderabad 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 $10Hyderabad $18
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 Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Cooking Evening 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
- 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
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hyderabad
For Hyderabad, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hyderabad Evening Tour with Boat Ride, Laser Show & Dinner: $97
- Private Half Day Tour: Dinner cruise, Old city shopping ride & Laser show: $175
- Cooking Demonstration of Ethnic Hyderabadi Cuisine at Private Residence (Dinner): $201
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Hyderabad $16
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.
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $27
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $81
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $122
- 2D1N Mae Wang National Park Jungle Trekking Adventure from Chiang Mai: $83
- 2D1N Trek Adventure at Mae Wang with Overnight at Karen Hilltribe: $97
- 3 Days Trekking Tour to Mae Wang Jungle from Chiang Mai: $152
- 3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail: $64
- 3D2N Mae Wang Jungle Trekking Adventure from Chiang Mai: $124
- 3D2N Mae Wang Jungle Trekking Adventure from Chiang Mai: $124
Tours and Activities in Hyderabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hyderabad.
- 2 Days - Taj Mahal Tour From Hyderabad: $499
- 4 hours Tour of Golkonda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad: $60
- 9-hour full day Ramoji Film City Tour with Lunch: $115
- Asli=Authentic Hyderabad Experience: $150
- Best of Hyderabad (Guided Halfday City Sightseeing Tour by Car): $84
- Best of Hyderabad (Guided Halfday City Sightseeing Tour): $80
- Day Trip to Bidar (Guided Private Experience by Car from Hyderabad): $152
- Day Trip to Bidar (Guided Private Tour by Car from Hyderabad: $140
- Day Trip to Sanghi Temple & Ramoji Film City (Private Experience by Car): $74
- Day Trip to Sanghi Temple & Ramoji Film City (Private Tour): $140
- Day Trip to Srisailam (Guided Private Experience by Car from Hyderabad): $148
- Day Trip to Srisailam (Guided Private Tour from Hyderabad): $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Hyderabad $11
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
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Hyderabad, we can see that Hyderabad 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 Hyderabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Hyderabad?
Hyderabad has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Hyderabad, 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.