Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Krabi?
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 Krabi or Chennai?
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 Chennai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Chennai?
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.
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
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 Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesChennai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $71Chennai $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $71, while the average daily cost in Chennai is $30. 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 Chennai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $40Chennai $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $80Chennai $26
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Chennai
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Chennai? 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 and Chennai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $4.21Chennai $2.28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.08
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.03
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.42
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Longboat Taxi from Town$6.05
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi airport to Pakbara pier Private transfer: $188
- 2-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour with Hotel & Transfer: $156
- Private Car or Minivan Transfer Between Phuket and Krabi Hotels: $147
- Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $138
- Wareerak Hot Spring & Spa with Transfer from Ao Nang: $138
- Krabi Mangrove Kayak &Elephant Shelter with Private Transfer: $126
- Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket with 2h of Sightseeing: $124
- Transfer from Phuket to Krabi and Vice Versa: $120
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KURABURI: $119
- Transfer from Krabi / Ao Nang to Khao Lak Hotel: $119
- Private Transfer Between Koh Lanta and Ao Nang area: $111
- Krabi to Khao Lak and Phang Nga Town: Private City Transfers: $107
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Mahabalipuram Hotel to Chennai Airport(MAA): $50
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Vellore: Comfortable Travel: $156
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $27
- Private Chennai Airport Transfer: Arrival to Hotel: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $26
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Chennai Hotels: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer Chennai Airport MAA to Mahabalipuram: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Chennai?
Prices for flights to both Chennai 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
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Food Meals for one dayKrabi $24Chennai $9.67
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$7.57
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Drinks on the Beach$7.26
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$34
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Mango Shake$1.51
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Pad Thai$3.03
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Fruit from the Market$1.82
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Pancakes$3.03
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Coffee & Cake$2.27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Snorkeling: $32
- Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $33
- 7 Islands Sunset & Plankton Swim with BBQ Dinner: $35
- Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Island Hopping with BBQ Dinner by Big Boat: $36
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $36
- Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $36
- Krabi Best of 7 islands Adventure Tour with Beachside BBQ Dinner: $40
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $40
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $44
- Ya Thai Cooking Class in Krabi with Recipe Book: $44
- 4 Islands Sunset Longtail Boat Tour with BBQ Dinner: $45
- Hong Island & Ko Pak Bia Tour with Sunset Dinner: $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ayurvedic or South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with an Author: $40
- Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Vidhya: $48
- Chennai Market Tour & Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class near Chennai Airport: $62
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Demo in Chennai in Tara's Home: $76
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $76
- Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
- Neighborhood Market Tour & South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $11Chennai $2.42
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Thai-English Book$9.99
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Thai Massages (for Two)$24
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Bikini & Sarong$18
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$13
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.57
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$57
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $47
- 2 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $69
- 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour: $286
- 2D1N Khao Sok National Park Tour from Krabi: $270
- 4 Island Full Day Krabi Tour: Longtail Boat & Lunch: $39
- 4 Island Snorkeling Tour on a LongTail Boat from Krabi: $37
- 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat Krabi + Lunch + Pick Up + Drop Off: $19
- 4 Island Tour by Traditional Big Longtail Boat from Krabi: $31
- 4 Island tour by SPEEDBOAT from Krabi + Lunch + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $28
- 4 Islands Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi: $41
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $24
- 4 Islands Krabi Speed Boat Day Tour with Buffet Lunch: $25
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram: $267
- 3 Day Private Tiruvannamalai Spiritual Tour from Chennai: $298
- 6-Day Classical Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $250
- 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $586
- A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $96
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
- Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.51
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
- Auto Rickshaw Tour of Mahabalipuram: $82
- Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
- Best of Chennai & Mahabalipuram: Full-Day Private Guided Tour: $99
- Best of Guided Half Day City Tour with a local: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $4.82Chennai $2.69
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
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Beer$2.72
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Cocktails (for Two)$9.08
Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
- Krabi Pub Crawl - The Best Nightlife Tour in Ao Nang!: $15
- Krabi Pub Crawl: $16
- Railay Pub Crawl: $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Chennai, we can see that Krabi is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Krabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Krabi than you might in Chennai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Chennai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Chennai?
Chennai has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Chennai, 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.