Which place is cheaper, Lahore or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Lahore?
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 Lahore. 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 Lahore?
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.
Lahore
As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Lahore $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Lahore is $57. 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 Lahore in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Lahore $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Lahore $74
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Lahore
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Lahore? 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 Lahore Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Lahore $9.98
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: 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 Lahore
Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
- Airport Transfer : $60
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Lahore?
Prices for flights to both Lahore 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 $10Lahore $14
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 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore
For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
- Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Lahore $5.08
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
- 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 Lahore
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.
- 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
- 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Lahore : $300
- Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
- Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
- Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Sahib Yatra Guided Tour: $175
- Kartarpur Tour: $150
- Kartarpur-Guru-Nanak sab One Day Tour : $250
- Khewra Salt Mines & Katas Raj Temple One Day Guided Tour: $210
- Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
- Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
- Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Guided Tour: $145
- Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Lahore $4.89
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Lahore, we can see that Lahore 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 Lahore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lahore 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 Lahore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Lahore?
Lahore has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Lahore, 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 Lahore?
Lahore 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 Lahore in the Summer?
Both Lahore 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 Lahore. Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Lahore in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Lahore fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
It's quite sunny in Lahore. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Lahore during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Lahore receives 228 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Lahore. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Lahore. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Lahore 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Lahore in the Autumn?
Both Lahore 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 Lahore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Lahore averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Lahore, 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 Lahore. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lahore receives 290 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 Lahore. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Lahore 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Lahore in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Lahore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Lahore. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Lahore fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Lahore during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Lahore receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Lahore. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Lahore 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Lahore in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Lahore. 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 around the same temperature as Lahore in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Lahore fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. 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 Lahore. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lahore receives 278 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Lahore. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Lahore 28°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Lahore and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Lahore | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 35°C (96°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 14 mm (0.5 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.