Which place is cheaper, Pushkar or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Pushkar?
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 Pushkar. 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 Pushkar?
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.
Pushkar
Pushkar is a city located in the state of Rajasthan, India. The city is considered a holy one; it's famous for its Brahma temple. It is also known for its ghats, its lake, and bazaar. Brahma is one part of the holy Hindu trinity and is known sit on a lotus flower (which is what 'Pushkar' translates to). In Hindu religion, Brahma is believed to be the creator of this world and Pushkar is the most important temple.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, and The Best Cultural Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Pushkar $28
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Pushkar is $28. 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 Pushkar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Pushkar $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Pushkar $24
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Pushkar
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Pushkar? 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 Pushkar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Pushkar $4.95
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 Airport Private Transfer to Hotel Or From Hotel To Airport : $5.42
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way) : $7.50
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $12
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Departure Shared Transfer: $15
- Mae Ping River Cruise & Optional Transfer: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $16
- Chiang Mai International Airport: Private Hotel Transfer: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pushkar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pushkar:
- Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Ranthambore In AC Vehicle: $117
- Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Udaipur In AC Vehicle: $112
- Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Agra In AC Vehicle: $112
- Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To New Delhi In AC Vehicle: $112
- Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Mount Abu In AC Vehicle: $112
- From Pushkar : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $80
- Private One Way Transfer From Pushkar To Jodhpur In AC Vehicle: $71
- From Pushkar : Private Transfer To Ranthambore: $70
- Private Transfer From Jaipur To Jodhpur Via Pushkar: $66
- From Jaipur : Private Pushkar Transfer in AC Car: $66
- From Pushkar : Private Transfer To Udaipur: $65
- Private Transfers Pushkar To New Delhi Drop: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Pushkar?
Prices for flights to both Pushkar 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 $10Pushkar $10
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 Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
- Half-Day Cooking Class with Market Tour: $27
Typical Food Prices in Pushkar
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pushkar are as follows:
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Lunch$2.39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pushkar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pushkar.
- Taste of Pushkar (2 Hour Guided Street Food Tour Experience): $24
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Pushkar $8.22
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.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.65
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
- Best seller!! Amazing Night tour, Doi Suthep + Wat umong - Top Must visit!: $18
- Historical and Cultural Highlights Walking Tour: $19
- Guided Chiang Mai City Night Tour by EV Tram: $19
Tours and Activities in Pushkar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pushkar are as follows:
- 10 Days Rajasthan Heritage and Culture Tour: $1,709
- 2 hours Sunset Camel Safari Adventure In Pushkar: $36
- 2 hours Sunset Camel Safari Adventure In Pushkar: $47
- 4 Days Jaipur Jodhpur Tour with Pushkar: $390
- 7 - Days Tour of Udaipur, Chittaurgarh, Pushkar and Jaipur: $264
- 7 - Days Tour of Udaipur, Chittaurgarh, Pushkar and Jaipur: $348
- 7-Days Golden Triangle Tour With Tiger & Leopard Safari: $661
- Afternoon Walk Tour with Sunset & Fire Ritual -The Pushkar Route : $7.00
- Afternoon Walking tour with Sunset & Arti -The Pushkar Route: $7.19
- Amazing 3 Nights 4 Days Jaipur with Ajmer Pushkar Tour: $624
- City Walking Tour-THE Pushkar Route: $6.76
- Cultural Walk of Pushkar (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Pushkar $6.68
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 Pushkar, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. And not only is Pushkar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pushkar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pushkar 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 Chiang Mai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Mai than you might in Pushkar.
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 Pushkar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Pushkar?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Pushkar. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Pushkar, 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.