Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Chiang Mai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Moscow and Chiang Mai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Moscow or Chiang Mai?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Chiang Mai $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $45. 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 Moscow and Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Chiang Mai $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Chiang Mai $52
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Chiang Mai? 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 Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Chiang Mai $3.61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Tanjung Alam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Talang Jambe: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Kebun Bunga: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Palembang: $93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $192
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $12
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Vehicle: Transfer from Airport in Chiang Mai: $21
- Private Van: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer : $45
- Private Transfer: Four Seasons Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport: $24
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Private Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel in Chiang Mai by Car and Van: $37
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Private Car: Chiang Mai Airport Transfers : $25
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Moscow 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 dayMoscow $14Chiang Mai $10
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$6.00
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
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Breakfast for 2$11
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Chiang Mai $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$13
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $28
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $40
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $150
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $82
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $103
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $123
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Chiang Mai $6.73
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Chiang Mai, we can see that Moscow is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe and Chiang Mai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Moscow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moscow than you might in Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Chiang Mai?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Chiang Mai, 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.
When is the best time to visit Moscow or Chiang Mai?
Moscow has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Moscow or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Moscow is much colder than Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Moscow usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Chiang Mai. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Chiang Mai. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
Both Chiang Mai and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
Both Chiang Mai and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Moscow is much colder than Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Chiang Mai. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Moscow
| Moscow | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
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.