Which place is cheaper, Chengdu or Krabi?
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 Krabi or Chengdu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Chengdu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Chengdu?
Krabi
Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
-
Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $72Chengdu $71
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $72, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $71. 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 Krabi and Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $41Chengdu $22
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $82Chengdu $44
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Chengdu? 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: Krabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $4.27Chengdu $6.35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$9.21
-
Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.07
-
2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.46
-
Longboat Taxi from Town$6.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV Jungle Adventure in Krabi with Roundtrip Transfer: $38
- Air-Conditioned Van Charter for Krabi Airport Transfers & More: $29
- Ao Nang to Krabi Private Transfer: $30
- Aonang any hotel to Khao Lak Private transfer: $105
- Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $98
- Aonang any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $27
- Aonang any hotel to Phuket Airport Private transfer: $91
- Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers: $82
- Full-Day Ao Thalane Kayaking Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $49
- Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $59
- KRABI:PVT Car (1-2 Per)Transfer KBV Airport-Aonang, Krabi Town: $30
- KRABI:Private Car Round Trip Transfer Airport-Krabi Hotel-Airport: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Sichuan Face Changing Opera With Door to Door Private Transfer: $75
- Round-Trip Private Transfer between Emei Shan and Chengdu City: $113
- Private Transfer from Chengdu to Mount Emei and Stops at Leshan Giant Buddha: $110
- Private Transfer from Chengdu hotel to Chengdu Train Station: $27
- Private Round-Trip Transfer:Chengdu Shuangliu Airport or Chengdu: $67
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chengdu: $28
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chengdu International Airport (CTU): $23
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chengdu Airport (CTU or TFU): $34
- Private Chengdu Tianfu Airport Transfer with English Support: $89
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chengdu Railway Station to City Hotel: $28
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chengdu Airport (CTU or TFU) to Hotel: $34
- Private Airport Transfer – Chengdu Tianfu or shuangliu airport: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu and Krabi 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 dayKrabi $24Chengdu $40
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$7.67
-
Drinks on the Beach$7.37
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
-
Nice Dinner (for Two)$34
-
Mango Shake$1.53
-
Pad Thai$3.07
-
Fruit from the Market$1.84
-
Pancakes$3.07
-
Coffee & Cake$2.30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $32
- Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Island Hopping with BBQ Dinner by Big Boat: $36
- Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $40
- Small-Group Smart Thai Cooking Class in Krabi: $40
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $40
- Krabi Best of 7 islands Adventure Tour with Beachside BBQ Dinner: $42
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset Tour By Long Tail Boat with BBQ Dinner: $43
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $44
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night: $44
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $45
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- 成都蜀宴赋Han Culture Dinner Show in Chengdu: $28
- Chengdu Vegetarian Cooking Class at a Local Home: $39
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Chengdu Food Tour Local Delicacies and Ear Cleaning: $59
- Chengdu Hidden Street Food Tour Spice Trails: $60
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu Local Eats: $68
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals: $69
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $73
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
- Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $11Chengdu $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Thai-English Book$10
-
Thai Massages (for Two)$25
-
Bikini & Sarong$18
-
Yoga Class (1 Hour)$13
-
Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.67
-
Kayak Trip (for Two)$58
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.05
- 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat Krabi + Lunch + Pick Up + Drop Off: $20
- Blue Dragon Cabaret Show Tickets Krabi: $22
- Jurassic World Filming Tour Kayak and ATV Adventure in Krabi: $24
- Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi: $24
- Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $25
- Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $26
- Kayaking Tour at Klong Root (Crystal Lake), Krabi: $26
- Shooting Range Experience in Krabi: $27
- Saitai Mountain Tail ATV Adventure From Krabi: $27
- Railay Beach Golden Sunset and Glowing Plankton Tour from Krabi: $27
- Krabi Jungle Escape Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour: $28
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Panda Breeding Center Plus Chengdu City Tour: $175
- 1-Day Chengdu Ancient History and Culture City Tour: $179
- 1-Day Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha GROUP Tour: $144
- 1-Day Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour with the Lunch: $246
- 1-Day Chengdu Panda Research Base and Sanxingdui Archeological Museum Tour: $256
- 1-Day Chengdu Private Tour: Dujiangyan Ancient River Irrigation and Temple Site: $213
- 1-Day Chengdu tour with Panda Base, Renmin Park,Wenshu Temple and Hot Pot Lunch: $193
- 1-Day Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour with the Lunch from Chengdu: $229
- 1-Day Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi old town Private Tour from Chengdu: $236
- 1-Day Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System Private Tour from Chengdu: $272
- 1-Day Panda Base and Huanglongxi old town Private Tour from Chengdu: $234
- 1-Day Panda Base and Mount Qingcheng Private tour from Chengdu: $262
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $4.89Chengdu $4.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
-
Beer$2.76
-
Cocktails (for Two)$9.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
- Krabi Pub Crawl: $16
- Railay Pub Crawl: $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Evening Food and Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $138
When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Chengdu, we can see that Krabi 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 Krabi Expensive? and Is Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Chengdu?
Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Chengdu, 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.