Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Chiang Rai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Rai or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Kolkata (Calcutta), 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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.
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, and The Best Bicycle Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $39Kolkata (Calcutta) $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $39, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $17Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $34Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Rai $3.18Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11
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:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chiang Rai International Airport to Hotel: $20
- Private Airport (CEI) Transfer to Hotel: $22
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Rai: $22
- Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer Chiang Rai Airport to and from Mueang Chiang Rai: $41
- Chiang Rai Airport: Transfer To Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: $77
- Private Transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $83
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $119
- Private Transfer From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $122
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $141
- SUV Private car Chiang Mai transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $149
- Chiang Khong Border Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $159
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $32
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $165
- Kolkata 8 Hour Private City Tour Including Hotel Transfers by Car: $86
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 $12Kolkata (Calcutta) $14
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: $33
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
- Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner: $41
- Alleyway Food Tour: $42
- Traditional Bengali Cooking Class in Kolkata in a Local Home: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $7.38Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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: $30
- Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch: $34
- Chiang Rai:Guide with lunch full day Highlight Tour: $34
- Guided Highlights Full-Day Tour with Thai Lunch: $36
- Popular Sightseeing Tour 8 Places - Small group: $38
- Full Day Group Tour in Chiang Rai: $40
- Day tour visit the top attractions in chiang rai: $41
- Popular Sightseeing Tour 8 places, Buffet Lunch: $41
- Temple Treasures & Popular Sightseeings (Buffet): $41
- JOIN TOUR 1 day trip around Chiang Rai included lunch buffet: $41
- Explore the adventures of Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle: $41
- Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple: $41
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 02 Days Guided Private Tour of Kolkata : $225
- 2 days private tour of kolkata city and Bishnupur by car: $280
- Best of Kolkata (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $82
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $25
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
- Custom Private Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip w/ Optional Add ons: $148
- Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $90
- Full Day City Tour Of Kolkata With Guide: $55
- Full Day Kolkata City Tour : $76
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $111
- Half Day Tour to the Flower Market and Howrah Bridge in Kolkata: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $8.32Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.27
Sample the Local Flavors in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also in Kolkata (Calcutta), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Kolkata: $39
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Rai and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.