Which place is cheaper, Xiamen 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 Xiamen?
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 Xiamen. 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 Xiamen?
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.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Xiamen $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $89. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Xiamen $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Xiamen $66
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Xiamen? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.08Xiamen $6.41
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:
- Sticky Waterfall Retreat and Chet Si Fountain Transfer: $24
- Siam Dragon cabaret show : Ticket & Optional Transfer: $25
- Siam Dragon Cabaret Show Ticket with Transfer in Chiang Mai: $27
- Shared Minivan Transfer to Chiang Mai and Mae Kampong Village: $13
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $17
- Private Car Transfer – Chiang Mai Airport: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport: $21
- Private Airport Transfer: Chiang Mai (CNX) ⇆ Chiang Mai Hotels: $15
- Hassle-Free Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Combo: Overnight in Hakka Tulou plus 2-way transfers from Xiamen: $119
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou: $115
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Nanjing Tulou: $115
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou: $110
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and HongKeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $93
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $20Xiamen $49
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: $13
- Evening Thai cooking class: $27
- 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
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai: $30
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $30
- Tomyumthai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai: $30
- Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show at Chiang Mai Admission Ticket: $30
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Xiamen $17
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.
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $163
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province: $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $204
- 1 Day Trek and Bamboo Rafting Tour in Chiang Mai: $84
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $84
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $169
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $144
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $94
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking and 3HR Trekking Adventure: $110
- 2 DAYS MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE Chiang Mai Chiang Dao Route: $238
- 2 Days 1 Night Rem Village and Mountain Tour with Scooter: $260
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
- 1-day Xiapu Photography Tour: East Route: $273
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $140
- Dongshan Island Highlights Full-Day Private Tour: $232
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport: $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.60Xiamen $18
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 Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Xiamen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xiamen 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 Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Xiamen?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Xiamen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Xiamen. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Xiamen in the Winter?
Both Xiamen and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Xiamen in the Spring?
Both Xiamen and Chiang Mai during the spring 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 can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Xiamen. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 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.