Which place is cheaper, Santiago 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 Santiago?
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 Santiago. 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 Santiago?
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.
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $58Santiago $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $58, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $145. 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 Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Santiago $105
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Santiago $210
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Santiago? 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 Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.97Santiago $5.21
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:
- Gems Gallery Chiang Mai with Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $2.29
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Shared AC Minivan Transfer Chiang Mai to Mon Jam (Return Option): $8.12
- Mon Jam Direct Transfer from Chiang Mai by Shared Minivan: $9.75
- Chiang Mai Mae Kampong One Way Shared Minivan Transfer: $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $11
- Shared Minivan Transfer to Chiang Mai and Mae Kampong Village: $12
- One Way Van Transfer Between Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon: $14
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $15
- Chiang Mai International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $467
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
- Private Santiago, Visit Santa Rita Winery and Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $286
- Private Transfer Between Santiago and Cruise Port: $270
- Santiago de Chile: Private Transfer to San Antonio / Port: $270
- Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
- Private cruise transfer: Puerto San Antonio or Valparaíso ↔ Santiago: $260
- Private Transfer Santiago Airport SCL to Vina Concon Valparaiso: $250
- Portillo and Laguna Del Inca, Exclusive Guide and Private Transfer: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago 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 $20Santiago $22
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$0.90
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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
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Chiang Mai Cooking Class Adventure Tour: $27
- Chiang Mai Lanna Thai Cooking Class with Mae Malai Market: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Evening Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $28
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.82
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Hamburger$2.41
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Dinner$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $56
- Mercado Meals Santiago Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $59
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Casillero del Diablo Night Experience – Cellars, Wine & Dinner: $110
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Santiago $46
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$4.48
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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.
- Chiang Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.56
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $6.09
- Relaxing Daycation Massage Experience in Chiang Mai: $9.17
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $12
- Chiang Mai Old City Temple Tour: $14
- Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Interactive 3D Museum Experience: $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $17
- FAM Fahlanna Art Museum Admission Ticket, Chiang Mai: $17
- Mae Ping Cruise and Farmer’s House Visit: $18
- Best Seller! Doi Suthep & Wat Umong Night Tour: $19
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half Day Boat Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Undurraga Vineyard Tour from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tour from Santiago: $51
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago (Standard): $290
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $85
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
- Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
- Andes Day Volcano 8k Private Tour: $270
- Andes Mountains Tour From Santiago with Appetizer: $180
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.39Santiago $8.10
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: $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- "Chile in Your Glass" Wine Tasting.: $22
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Tour Viña Santa Carolina in Santiago with 3 wine tasting: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $65
- Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Santiago, we can see that Santiago 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 Santiago 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago 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 Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Santiago, 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 Santiago?
Santiago 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 Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago 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.
In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Santiago. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, 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)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago 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.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.
In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.