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 $58Lima $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $58, 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 $3.97Lima $6.25
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$1.19
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Moped Rental$5.37
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
- Mon Jam Direct Transfer from Chiang Mai by Shared Minivan: $8.91
- Shared Minivan Transfer to Chiang Mai and Mae Kampong Village: $13
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way): $15
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport: $21
- Half Day Chiang Mai Sticky Waterfall and Hotel Transfer: $22
- Sticky Waterfall Retreat and Chet Si Fountain Transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $25
- Siam Dragon Cabaret Show Ticket with Transfer in Chiang Mai: $26
- Chiang Mai Siam Dragon Cabaret Show with Hotel Transfer: $31
- Private Car Transfer – Chiang Mai Airport: $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.92
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Taxi Ride$5.92
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Short Taxi Ride$4.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $216
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $198
- Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $198
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $189
- Transfer from Lima Airport to your hotel and vice versa: $175
- 3-Day Trip to Lima, hotels & transfers: $165
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $160
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $125
- Enjoy a Football Game in Lima with local guide and Transfers: $99
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $79
- Transfer by car from the airport to the hotel: $60
- Transfer in Private Van from the Airport to Hotels in Lima: $60
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)$5.82
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.72
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Casual Breakfast$1.19
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.97
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Mangoes$0.89
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Coffee$1.49
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 Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $28
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $28
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $28
- 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: $30
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Home Cooking Class in Chiang Mai With Visiting Local Market: $30
- Cooking Class with Organic Farm in Chiang Mai at Mama Noi: $31
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $31
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.74
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Ice cream$3.85
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Coffee$3.26
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Donut$1.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Food Tours on the Forbidden Side of Lima with Elite DRONE FOOTAGE: $2.50
- Local Food Tour at an Iconic Market!!: $24
- Private Churros Cooking Class, Miraflores & Hotel Pickup: $43
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Miraflores Cooking Class Ceviche, Tartar & Pisco Sour: $45
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Lima Food Tour & Market Experience: 13 Peruvian Bites: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
- Limeno Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Lima $9.44
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$1.79
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Kratong Lessons$2.98
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Pedicure$4.47
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.37
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $9.90
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Chiang Mai Old City Temple Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Chiang Mai Hidden Temples and Lanna Heritage Tour: $18
- Chiang Mai Temples & Old City Hidden Gems Small Group Tour 2 Hrs: $19
- Best Seller! Doi Suthep & Wat Umong Night Tour: $19
- Chiang Mai Mae Ping River Cruise and Thai Farmer House Visit: $20
- Siam Dragon Cabaret Show Ticket Chiang Mai: $21
- Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall & Dantewada Cafe Tour From Chiang Mai: $21
- Authentic Muay Thai Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
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$2.52
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 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: $134
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, Tunnels & Vineyard: $134
- 2D Tour from Lima Paracas and Huacachina with Night in Huacachina: $230
- 3 Day Tour From Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3 Days Tour of Paracas Huacachina and Nazca: $275
- 3 Hour Private Electric Scooter Tour of Lima: $75
- 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
- 3-Day Tour Discover Paracas and Huacachina from Lima: $260
- 4 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $299
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.39Lima $6.14
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$2.98
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: $17
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$7.96
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Beer$4.44
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Cocktail$3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $24
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
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.