Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad?
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 Islamabad. 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 Islamabad?
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.
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $42. 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 Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Islamabad $20
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Islamabad? 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 Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Islamabad $7.68
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:
- 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: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $153
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad 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 $10Islamabad $15
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Islamabad $9.48
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.
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $27
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $39
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $149
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $81
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $102
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $122
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $111
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad City Tour : $150
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Islamabad $2.88
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
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Islamabad, 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 Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Islamabad?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Islamabad, 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 Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Islamabad. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°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.