Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
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 Lima. 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Lima $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, while the average daily cost in Lima is $98. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Lima $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Lima $108
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.04Lima $6.24
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$1.22
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Moped Rental$5.47
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): $9.24
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $11
- Chiang Mai Mae Kampong One Way Shared Minivan Transfer: $11
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Scenic Mountain Shared Minivan Transfer: $12
- Shared Minivan Transfer to Chiang Mai and Mae Kampong Village: $13
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way): $15
- Private Airport Transfer: Chiang Mai (CNX) ⇆ Chiang Mai Hotels: $15
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $17
- Hassle-Free Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport: $20
- Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall & Dantewada Cafe with Hotel Transfer: $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.91
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Taxi Ride$5.91
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Short Taxi Ride$4.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $257
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $218
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $215
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $196
- Lima Airport Luxury Arrival or Departure Transfer: $163
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $160
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $159
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $79
- Transfer in Private Van from the Airport to Hotels in Lima: $60
- Transfers + Huacachina + Paracas + Ballestas Islands + Buggies + Sandboarding: $60
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport to Lima: $57
- Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $20Lima $33
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)$5.93
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.73
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Casual Breakfast$1.22
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.08
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Mangoes$0.91
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Coffee$1.52
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:
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Evening Thai cooking class: $28
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $28
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $30
- Tomyumthai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai: $30
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.73
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Ice cream$3.84
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Coffee$3.25
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Donut$1.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
- Lima : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $36
- Culinary Experience with Pizzas - Barranco: $39
- #1 Rated Cooking Class with Best Dishes & Pisco Sour: $44
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
- Miraflores: Amazing Peruvian Cooking Class – Ceviche, Seafood, and Pisco Sour: $47
- Lima Central Market Food Tour with Tastings: $48
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- 4h Cooking Class in Iconic Dishes & Bottomless Drinks: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Lima $9.43
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$40
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.82
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Kratong Lessons$3.04
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Pedicure$4.56
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.47
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.43
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $4.99
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $8.98
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $12
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Interactive 3D Museum Experience: $14
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $16
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- FAM Fahlanna Art Museum Admission Ticket, Chiang Mai: $17
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour: $18
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half-Day Boat Tour: $19
- Best seller!! Amazing Night tour, Doi Suthep + Wat umong - Top Must visit!: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$18
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Movie Tickets$2.51
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- 1 day tour in Ica Peru: $200
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $265
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Days 1 Night Paracas Ica Tour from Lima: $150
- 2 Days 1 Night Tour of Paracas Huacachina & flight to Nazca Lines: $272
- 2-Hour Surf Adventure in Lima: $31
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Days Tour of Paracas Huacachina and Nazca: $275
- 3 Days Tour: Paracas and Huacachina: $155
- 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
- 3-Day Marchu Picchu from EL Callao Cruise Ship Terminal: $2,050
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.53Lima $6.13
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$3.04
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.95
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Beer$4.43
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Cocktail$3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Pub Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $5.00
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Pub Crawl Social Drinks in Barranco & Miraflores: $18
- Barranco's Nightlife Tour with Bar Crawl & Free Shots: $20
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Miraflores Nightlife Tour with Bar Crawl & Free Shots: $24
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- Peruvian Wine Tasting in an Exclusive Setting: $94
- From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $105
- From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Tour: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima is in South America, 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Lima, 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 Lima?
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 Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Chiang Mai during the summer 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 Lima year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Lima. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Lima. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Lima. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Lima. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Lima. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Lima. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.