Which place is cheaper, Lijiang 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 Lijiang?
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 Lijiang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Lijiang?
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.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesLijiang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $74Lijiang $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $55. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $42Lijiang $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $84Lijiang $32
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Lijiang? 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 $4.37Lijiang $5.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$9.42
-
Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.14
-
2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.51
-
Longboat Taxi from Town$6.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $44
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to TRI TRANG BEACH: $38
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SURIN BEACH: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL YACHT HAVEN: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $41
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to PATONG BEACH: $47
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to MAI KHAO BEACH: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $123
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KATA BEACH: $44
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to CHALONG PIER: $44
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to BANGTAO BEACH: $28
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Krabi HTL-APT (KBV): $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Private Transfer from Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) to Dali : $149
- Ethnic Costume Photoshoot with Hotel Transfers: $131
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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 $25Lijiang $30
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$7.85
-
Drinks on the Beach$7.54
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
-
Nice Dinner (for Two)$35
-
Mango Shake$1.57
-
Pad Thai$3.14
-
Fruit from the Market$1.88
-
Pancakes$3.14
-
Coffee & Cake$2.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $38
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $44
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $46
- Krabi Thai Cooking Class at Ya Cookery School: $48
- Krabi Morning and Evening Food Tours with Market Visits: $51
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $51
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $51
- Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $53
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset Tour by Speed Boat with BBQ Dinner : $53
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $12Lijiang $20
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$19
-
Yoga Class (1 Hour)$14
-
Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.85
-
Kayak Trip (for Two)$60
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour from Krabi: $73
- 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $69
- 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour : $174
- 4 Island Early Bird Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi: $47
- 4 Island tour by SPEEDBOAT from Krabi + Lunch + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $32
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $24
- 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang: $62
- 4 Islands Longtail Boat Tour in Krabi with Lunch : $33
- 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $34
- 5 km Rafting, ATV & Zipline Tour From Krabi: $61
- 7 Islands Sunset tour by Speed boat : $49
- 7km White Water Rafting Adventure Tour From Krabi: $51
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Baisha Village Private Tour: $245
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- 1-Day Private Tour to Lijiang Highlights: $297
- 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
- 3days Dali Lijiang highlights tour start from Kunming: $700
- 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $72
- 7-Day Yunnan Culture & Nature Tour: $1,008
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang: $221
- Beautiful Country road Biking tour to Xinhua village Heqing start from Lijiang: $173
- Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $50
- Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $208
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $5.00Lijiang $7.98
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
-
Beer$2.83
-
Cocktails (for Two)$9.42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Lijiang, we can see that Krabi is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Lijiang?
Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Lijiang, 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.