Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Chiang Rai?
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 Rai or El Nido?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or El Nido, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Chiang Rai or El Nido?
Chiang Rai
If you find yourself dreaming of a vacation in Northern Thailand, consider the metropolitan city of Chiang Rai. This centrally located capital of the Chiang Rai province provides an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding areas. While it serves well as a home base, it has its own charms worth wandering.
El Nido
El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
-
Chiang Rai Prices
Thailand PricesEl Nido Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $51El Nido $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $51, while the average daily cost in El Nido is $44. 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 Rai and El Nido in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $19El Nido $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $38El Nido $26
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and El Nido
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or El Nido? 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 Rai Hotel Prices and El Nido Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Rai $3.51El Nido $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Rai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Chiang Rai:
-
Bus to White Temple$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Rai
Also for Chiang Rai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Chiang Rai Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $30
- 2 Days 1 Night Slow Boat Transfer to Luang Prabang: $80
- Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Private Scenic Transfer Tour: $149
- Chiang Rai Airport to Chiang Khong & Golden Triangle Transfer: $54
- Chiang Rai 4 Temples and Lalitta Cafe Full Day Tour with Transfer: $53
- 2 days tour in Chiang rai, included hotel, lunch,pick up&transfer: $137
Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido
Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $218
- To Puerto Princesa 1-Way Shared Van Transfer: $14
- Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $35
- Island Hopping Tour B Snake Island with transfer: $39
- Island Hopping TOUR A with Lunch, Transfer & EDTF: $53
- El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $12
- El Nido Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $49
- El Nido Tour C with Lunch and Transfers: $49
- El Nido Big Lagoon and Tropical Island Private Tour with Transfer: $179
- El Nido Beginner Surf Lesson with Lunch and Round-Trip Transfers: $74
- El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or El Nido?
Prices for flights to both El Nido and Chiang Rai 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 Rai $22El Nido $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Private Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $36
- Chiang Rai Private Thai and Akha Cooking Class with Market Visit: $48
- Thai Cooking Class in Chiangrai with The Market Tour: $49
- Private Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $52
- Lanna Home Cooking Class at Give Green Farm House: $53
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $55
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $55
- Jungle Trek and Bamboo Cooking in Chiang Rai: $55
- Trekking & bamboo cooking Tour: $57
- Private Local Food Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $59
- From Chiang Rai Jungle Adventure Group Trekking Bamboo Cooking: $61
- Chiang Rai City Highlights with Traditional Dinner & Show: $103
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in El Nido
For El Nido, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- El Nido, Sibaltan: Family Dinner, Bonfire and Karaoke: $39
- El Nido Fishing with Local Fisherman with Sunset Dinner: $136
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $8.13El Nido $4.95
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Day Jungle Trekking Adventure from Chiang Rai: $106
- Akha Hill Tribes, Chiang Saen, Mae Sai & Golden Triangle Day Tour: $110
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai including Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $198
- CEI. to Phayao Prov. A day Tour : Temples- Hot Spring- Lake view: $78
- Chiang Mai - Full Day Chiang Rai &Golden Triangle Tour with Lunch: $199
- Chiang Rai 7 Incredible Highlights Tour Lunch Included: $55
- Chiang Rai Akha Culture Waterfall and Big Buddha Tour: $88
- Chiang Rai All Inclusive Day Tour: $70
- Chiang Rai Discovery: Full‑Day Guided Tour & Free Lunch Buffet: $41
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $138
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $97
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $138
Tours and Activities in El Nido
For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Days Private Cruise in El Nido on a 43-foot Sailing Yacht: $672
- All-Inclusive El Nido Beach Hopping Private Tour: $153
- Private Island Hopping Tour A with BUFFET LUNCH: $128
- Private Island Hopping Tour B: $132
- Private Island Hopping Tour C w/BUFFET LUNCH: $132
- Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A w/BUFFET LUNCH: $21
- Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour B: $28
- El Nido Advanced Enduro Tour: $200
- El Nido Big Lagoon & Tropical Island Private Tour: $356
- El Nido Island Hopping Day Tour from Puerto Princesa City: $120
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: $27
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrine: $28
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $8.98El Nido $7.70
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Rai and El Nido, we can see that Chiang Rai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Rai Expensive? and Is El Nido Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or El Nido?
Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of El Nido. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and El Nido, 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.