Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo. 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 Montevideo?
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.
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Montevideo $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Montevideo is $64. 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 Montevideo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Montevideo $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Montevideo $80
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Montevideo
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Montevideo $7.38
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$4.89
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: $273
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $218
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $205
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $192
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $150
- Chiang Mai's Top 2 Activities with Return Airport Transfers: $145
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $145
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Carrasco Airport Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Montevideo?
Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 $10Montevideo $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)$5.30
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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)$5.43
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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
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Montevideo $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$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $28
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $40
- 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): $150
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $82
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $103
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $123
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
- Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
- Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $120
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $120
- Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
- City tour Montevideo: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Montevideo -
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$2.72
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!: $9.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Montevideo, we can see that Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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 Montevideo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montevideo 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 Montevideo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Montevideo?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?
Montevideo 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 Montevideo in the Summer?
Both Montevideo 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.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Montevideoin January. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Montevideo. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Montevideoin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 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 July and JanuaryChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Montevideo 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montevideo in the Autumn?
Both Montevideo 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.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Montevideo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Montevideoin April. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun.
Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Montevideoin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 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 October and AprilChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montevideo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Montevideo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Montevideo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Montevideo averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Montevideo during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Montevideoin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 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 January and JulyChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Montevideo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montevideo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Montevideo. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Montevideoin October. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Montevideoin October. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Montevideo. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Montevideoin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 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 April and OctoberChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Montevideo and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Montevideo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.