Which place is cheaper, Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 Nadi (Port Denarau)?
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 Nadi (Port Denarau). 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 Nadi (Port Denarau)?
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.
Nadi (Port Denarau)
Nadi, pronounced "Nandi", is a city and transportation hub in the Fijian islands. It is on one of the main islands, Viti Levu, and has a population of about 42,000. Many inhabitants are Indian as well as Fijian, and the largest temple in the Southern hemisphere is located in the city center. It must be noted that Nadi and surrounding areas aren't known for the beaches. This is more of a cultural destination or starting point for your trip to Fiji. For the best beaches, you will want to venture out to the other, smaller, islands.
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 PricesNadi (Port Denarau) Prices
Fiji Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Nadi (Port Denarau) $201
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, while the average daily cost in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $201. 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Nadi (Port Denarau) $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Nadi (Port Denarau) $216
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Nadi (Port Denarau)
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Nadi (Port Denarau)? 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.08Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.93
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$1.23
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Moped Rental$5.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gems Gallery Chiang Mai with Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $2.36
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Shared AC Minivan Transfer Chiang Mai to Mon Jam (Return Option): $9.29
- Mon Jam Direct Transfer from Chiang Mai by Shared Minivan: $10
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Chiangmai Town: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai Mae Kampong One Way Shared Minivan Transfer: $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nadi (Port Denarau):
- Zip line ex Intercontinental Fiji with return private transfers: $213
- Zip line Fiji ex Fiji Marriot w/private return transfer: $186
- Private Transfer: Nadi Airport to Pacific Harbour - 1 to 4 Seat Vehicle: $132
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Volivoli or Wananavu Rst: $130
- Treetops Fiji Zipline Tour with Drop off Transfer to Nadi Airport: $130
- Private vehicle transfer Fiji Marriot Momi Bay to Nadi Airport: $119
- 100% CFC APPROVED PRIVATE Transfer - Denarau to Nadi & Coral Coast Hotels: $114
- Fiji Cultural Full Day Island Cruise With Lunch & Transfers: $114
- Nadi Airport Transfers to Ports and Hotels: $97
- Shared transfer- Nadi Airport to Denarau island Fiji: $93
- Private Coral Coast Sigatoka Transfers: $92
- Private Transfer:Nadi Airport to Fiji Marriott Momi Bay: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 $20Nadi (Port Denarau) $70
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)$5.99
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.74
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Casual Breakfast$1.23
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.14
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Mangoes$0.92
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Coffee$1.53
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: $10
- Evening Thai cooking class: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $28
- Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show at Chiang Mai Admission Ticket: $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
- Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School in Chiang Mai: $31
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $32
- Cooking Class with Organic Farm in Chiang Mai at Mama Noi: $32
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Nadi (Port Denarau) $33
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$1.84
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Kratong Lessons$3.07
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Pedicure$4.60
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.53
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: $10
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $12
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $14
- 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
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $17
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour: $18
- Chiang Mai Temples & Old City Hidden Gems Small Group Tour 2 Hrs: $19
- 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
Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nadi (Port Denarau) are as follows:
- "Coral Coast Adventure: Pottery, Kava, Meke, Dunes & Temple'': $121
- 16 Lines Zipline, Cave and Mud Spa Combo Tour with Lunch in Fiji: $167
- 6 Hours Giant Zipline Adventure Park in Fiji: $92
- Authentic Cultural and Historical Village Tour of Nadi Ex Fiji Marriott Resort: $159
- Authentic Fijian Day Tour: $90
- Best Sightseeing Tour: $149
- Biausevu Waterfall Tour (Sigatoka): $102
- Coral Coast Heritage Tour: $101
- Coral Coast Heritage Tour: $180
- Coral Coast Sightseeing & Pottery Village Tour: $81
- Coral Coast Tour Sand Dune to Momi Gunsite History Walk: $200
- Cultural Night Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.60Nadi (Port Denarau) $12
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$3.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Nadi (Port Denarau), we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) is in Pacific, 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nadi (Port Denarau). When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Nadi (Port Denarau), 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.
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.