Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer or Chiang Rai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Rai or Jaisalmer?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Jaisalmer, 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 Jaisalmer?
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.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $39Jaisalmer $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $39, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $37. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $17Jaisalmer $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $34Jaisalmer $26
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and Jaisalmer
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Rai $3.18Jaisalmer $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Rai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Chiang Rai:
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Bus to White Temple$1.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Rai
Also for Chiang Rai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Khong Border Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $159
- SUV Private car Chiang Mai transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $149
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $141
- Private Transfer From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $122
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $119
- Private Transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $83
- Chiang Rai Airport: Transfer To Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: $77
- Private Transfer Chiang Rai Airport to and from Mueang Chiang Rai: $41
- Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer: $32
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Rai: $22
- Private Airport (CEI) Transfer to Hotel: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chiang Rai International Airport to Hotel: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
- Private Transfers Jaisalmer To Bikaner Drop: $123
- Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
- Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $45
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Sam Sand Dunes: $19
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Khuri Sand Dunes: $19
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple : $45
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or Jaisalmer?
Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Rai $12Jaisalmer $13
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:
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $47
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $50
- Chiang Rai Private Cooking Class - Cooking With Ann: $57
- Jungle Adventure-Group Trekking & Bamboo Cooking: $68
- Chiang Rai by Night with Show, Dinner and Trishaw Ride: $82
- Chiang Rai City Tour with Dinner and Show: $86
- Chiang Rai by Night: Incredible Temples, Market and Northern Dinner: $128
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
- Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $28
- Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $33
- Peaceful Non -Touristic Sunset Camel Safari With Dinner : $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $42
- Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
- 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
- Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
- DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
- DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $7.38Jaisalmer $12
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI: $31
- 4 Days Mae Hong Son Loop Motorcycle Tour from Chiang Mai: $1,406
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai including Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $153
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle Royal Vila: $132
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $125
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $89
- Chiang Rai City and Temples Tour: $67
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $71
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $57
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $57
- Chiang Rai Night Tour by TUK TUK: $57
- Chiang Rai Private Tour From Chiang Mai: $91
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.59
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $33
- 1 Night Desert Experience Sleeping Under Star Near Jodhpur: $56
- 1 night 2 day thar desert experience & village lifestyle: $38
- 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $103
- 2 Nights 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour & Non-Touristic Camel Safari: $210
- 2-Night Desert Experience with Luxury Camp from Jaisalmer: $213
- 3 Days Jaisalmer Private Tour: $180
- 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour From Jodhpur: $270
- 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $203
- 3-Day Private Tour of Jaisalmer with Desert Camp Experience: $173
- 4 - Days Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $180
- 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $8.32Jaisalmer $9.23
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Rai and Jaisalmer, 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 Jaisalmer Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Jaisalmer?
Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Jaisalmer, 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.