Which place is cheaper, Kingston 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 Kingston?
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 Kingston. 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 Kingston?
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.
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesKingston Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $61Kingston $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $61, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $123. 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 Kingston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Kingston $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Kingston $124
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Kingston
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Kingston? 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 Kingston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.18Kingston $28
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$1.26
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Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $143
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $190
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $25
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Hotel or Airport: $7.96
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $54
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfers by Private Car: $32
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $287
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $479
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $369
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Port to Kingston Airport (KIN): $268
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $261
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- Kingston Round Trip Airport Transfers to Ocho Rios : $230
- NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Kingston?
Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 $21Kingston $44
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)$6.12
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
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Casual Breakfast$1.26
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Mangoes$0.94
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Coffee$1.57
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: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Kingston $12
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$41
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
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Kratong Lessons$3.14
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Pedicure$4.71
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $13
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $13
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $15
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half-Day Boat Tour: $17
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $18
- Bua Thong Waterfalls Adventure Experience : $18
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour : $18
- Muay Thai Ticket Thapae Boxing Stadium Chiang Mai Live Fight: $19
- Chiang Mai Temples Visit Walking Tour with Ex-Monk Guide Part 2: $19
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
- Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
- Blue Mountain Tour: A Half-Day Escape from Kingston: $1,011
- Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
- Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
- Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $134
- City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $105
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Devon House City Tour Combo: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.78Kingston $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$3.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Kingston, we can see that Kingston 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 Kingston 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 Kingston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kingston 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 Kingston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Kingston?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Kingston, 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 Kingston?
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 Kingston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Kingston. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston 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 Kingston. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Kingston. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Kingston 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kingston in the Autumn?
Both Kingston 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 Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Kingston. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Kingston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kingston during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Kingston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Kingston 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kingston in the Winter?
Both Kingston 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 Kingston year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Kingston. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Kingston, 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 Kingston. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is cooler than Kingston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Kingston 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kingston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Kingston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Kingston 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 Kingston. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Kingston during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Kingston 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Kingston and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Kingston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 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.