Which place is cheaper, Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung?
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 Kao-hsiung. 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 Kao-hsiung?
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.
Kao-hsiung
Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesKao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $58Kao-hsiung $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $58, while the average daily cost in Kao-hsiung is $126. 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 Kao-hsiung in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Kao-hsiung $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Kao-hsiung $114
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Kao-hsiung
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Kao-hsiung? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.00Kao-hsiung $11
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 International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Shared AC Minivan Transfer Chiang Mai to Mon Jam (Return Option): $9.01
- Mon Jam Direct Transfer from Chiang Mai by Shared Minivan: $9.76
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Scenic Mountain Shared Minivan Transfer: $11
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way): $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $15
- Chiang Mai International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $16
- Hassle-Free Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport: $19
- Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall & Dantewada Cafe with Hotel Transfer: $20
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $261
- Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $187
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $73
- Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Kao-hsiung?
Prices for flights to both Kao-hsiung 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 $20Kao-hsiung $55
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 Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $27
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $27
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $29
- Home Cooking Class in Chiang Mai at Tomyumthai Cooking School: $29
- Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show at Chiang Mai Admission Ticket: $29
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai: $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.
- Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Kao-hsiung $21
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 Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.51
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $6.11
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $8.79
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- 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 Mae Ping River Cruise and Thai Farmer House Visit: $18
- Chiang Mai Bar Hopping Night Tour: $19
- Doi Suthep Temple, Wat Pha Lat, Hmong Village Tour (Comfort Van): $20
- Authentic Muay Thai Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
- Chiang Mai Old City Temples and Heritage Walking Tour: $21
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- Alishan Join-in Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $86
- Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: Fo Guang Shan x Lotus Pond x Pier-2: $62
- Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $69
- From Kaohsiung Private Tainan Historical Highlights Tour: $128
- From Taichung/Kaohsiung/Chiayi：Alishan Hidden Gems Private Tour: $220
- Full-Day Private Guided Tour in Kaohsiung Port Shore: $300
- Half Day Kaohsiung City Walks and Night Market Tour: $120
- Kaohsiung Area Classic Tour: $300
- Kaohsiung Cultural Day: TourMoon World, Hakka Lei Cha DIY, Pier-2: $73
- Kaohsiung Departure - Alishan National Park Day Tour: $220
- Kaohsiung Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Kaohsiung departure - Chartered tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.44Kao-hsiung $10
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 Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: 4 Venues, Beer Buffet & VIP Entry: $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Kao-hsiung, we can see that Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Kao-hsiung?
Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Kao-hsiung, 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.