Which place is cheaper, Roatan 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Mai or Roatan?
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 Roatan. 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 Roatan?
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.
Roatan
Your next great vacation lies just thirty miles off the north coast of Honduras. Right above the world's largest coral reef is the island of Roatan. As a popular tourist attraction and standard cruise destination, it's not uncommon to see tons of Americans during your trip. In fact, the cruising industry has had huge impact on the island's culture. While ships are in port, traffic will be heavier and prices may go up. Because of the growth of tourism, most locals speak both Spanish and English.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, and The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras.
-
Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesRoatan Prices
Honduras Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Roatan $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, while the average daily cost in Roatan is $42. 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 Roatan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Roatan $10
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Roatan $20
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Roatan
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Roatan? 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 Roatan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.08Roatan $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.23
-
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: $2.34
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Shared AC Minivan Transfer Chiang Mai to Mon Jam (Return Option): $9.24
- Mon Jam Direct Transfer from Chiang Mai by Shared Minivan: $10
- Chiang Mai Mae Kampong One Way Shared Minivan Transfer: $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $11
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Scenic Mountain Shared Minivan Transfer: $12
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Roatan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Roatan are as follows:
-
Water Taxi$3.95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Roatan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Roatan:
- Private Transfer from Honduras Roatan Airport (RTB) to Roatan Hotels: $153
- King Kong Extreme Zipline, City Tour and Transfer: $130
- Mahogany Bay Cruise Port to Roatan Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
- South Side Horseback Riding, Beach Break & Roundway Transfer: $120
- Honduras Roatan Airport (RTB) to Roatan -Round-Trip Transfer: $113
- Roatan Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise Port or Hotel: $110
- Roatan East End Cultural Experience, Island Lunch & Private Transfer: $99
- West Bay Beach Day Pass & Private Transfer – Roatán: $89
- Let's Go Native Roatan City Cultural Tour, Transfer: $80
- Mahogany Bay Cruise Port to Roatan - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Ultimate West Bay Beach Day: Pass & Transfers Included: $55
- Transfers to West End by night from hotels in West Bay or Sandy Bay: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Roatan?
Prices for flights to both Roatan 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
-
Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $20Roatan $15
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
-
Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.99
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.74
-
Casual Breakfast$1.23
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.14
-
Mangoes$0.92
-
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: $13
- Evening Thai cooking class: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Tomyumthai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai: $30
- Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show at Chiang Mai Admission Ticket: $30
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai: $30
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $31
- Cooking Class with Organic Farm in Chiang Mai at Mama Noi: $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roatan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Roatan.
- Roatan Cooking Class and Cultural Experience: $125
- Cooking classes from a Local!: $245
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Roatan $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Thai Cooking Class$40
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.84
-
Kratong Lessons$3.07
-
Pedicure$4.60
-
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.
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $5.01
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $9.02
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Interactive 3D Museum Experience: $14
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $15
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $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 Roatan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Roatan are as follows:
- 1 Stop Snorkel Adventure with Beach Break: $45
- 2 Hour Zip Lining Private Tour in Mahogany Bay: $65
- 3-Hours Private Tour in Roatan with Pick Up: $66
- 4 Hours Private Tour with Snorkel Experience in Roatan: $50
- ATV & community adventure, Mangrove tour, food tasting and Beach: $139
- ATV Adventure , Zip Line , Horseback Ride Combo Tour: $175
- ATV-Off Road + Roatan City Tour: $120
- Atv Island Tour: $140
- Catamaran Cruise, Open Bar, Food and Snorkeling: $165
- Cruise Friendly Sloths, Monkeys JungleZipline Adventure in Roatán: $125
- Cruise Ship Family Chocolate Factory, Sloths & Monkeys, Beach, Transportation: $70
- Cruise Travelers West Bay Beach Break with Island Tour in Roatan: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.60Roatan $6.56
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$3.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Roatan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Roatan:
- Bar Crawl Tour in West End Village by Pedibike- Let the Good Times Roll: $80
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Roatan, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. And not only is Roatan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Roatan is in Central 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 Roatan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roatan 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 Roatan.
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 Roatan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Roatan?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Roatan. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Roatan, 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.