Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok, 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: Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok?
Nakhon Ratchasima
If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $45Bangkok $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $45, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $86. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $22Bangkok $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $44Bangkok $94
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok? 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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices and Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.10Bangkok $6.53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
-
Tuk Tuk$1.54
-
Bus to Vientiane$1.54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.47
-
Skytrain Ticket$4.94
-
Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.99
-
Ferry Ride$0.80
-
Taxi From Airport$7.72
-
Short Taxi Ride$2.78
-
Boat Taxi$1.54
-
Trains to airport$4.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- oneway transfer service Bangkok-Hua hin: $77
- Wat Pho The Reclining Buddha Ticket with Transfer in Bangkok: $27
- Tuk-tuk tour Bangkok by Night with Chinatown meal and hotel transfers: $61
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Hua Hin APT-HTL (BKK): $71
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok HTL- APT(BKK): $19
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok APT-HTL (BKK): $19
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Pattaya APT-HTL (DMK): $67
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hua Hin APT-HTL (DMK): $71
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Pattaya: $65
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to HuaHin: $82
- Transfer from DMK Donmuaeng International Airport to BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport: $33
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Pranburi: $127
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok?
Prices for flights to both Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $17Bangkok $21
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
-
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
-
Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.18
-
2 Rotis (Bread)$1.39
-
Mango & Sticky Rice$0.93
-
Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.18
-
Pad Thai$2.16
-
Airport Lunch for 2$17
-
Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $21
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Dinner or Lunch & Thai Massage: $23
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $24
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $26
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $26
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $27
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $27
- Royal Princess Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $30
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $30
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $30
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $30
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $6.58Bangkok $18
Tours and Activities in Nakhon Ratchasima
For Nakhon Ratchasima, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Bangkok: Khao Yai National Park 2-Day Tour highlight: $386
- From Bangkok: Khao Yai 3-Day Tour highlight: $392
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Movie Ticket$4.94
-
Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
-
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.54
-
Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.18
-
Club Cover Charge$12
-
Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$74
-
Fish Pedicure$4.63
-
Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.09
-
Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Day in Ayutthaya: Private 5 UNESCO Temples Tour From Bangkok: $119
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Bangkok 4 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private with Guide: $97
- Bangkok Sea Life + Madame Tussauds Entrance Tickets : $51
- Bangkok Thrilling Tuk Tuk Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
- Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $53
- Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $70
- 'Sunset Cruise' Canal Boat Tour - Fully guided 3hrs: $82
- "Bangkok Walking Hopping Tour" show city’s historic sights are located.: $74
- (Join Tour) BANGKOK 'S 2 HOURS CANAL TOUR: $86
- 1-hour Bangkok Old City NIGHT Tour on Private TUK TUK: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNakhon Ratchasima $12Bangkok $6.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Beer$1.24
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Bangkok After Dark: Pub Crawl Adventure: $23
- Pub Crawl: $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok than you might in Nakhon Ratchasima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive? and Is Bangkok Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 5104480 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok, 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok in the Summer?
Both Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.
Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Bangkok. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 30°C (86°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Bangkok 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Bangkok in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Bangkok fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Bangkok 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Bangkok. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Bangkok. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Bangkok. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Bangkok averages at about 27°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Bangkok 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Bangkok in the Spring?
Both Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangkok. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Nakhon Ratchasima can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 31°C (89°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 31°C (87°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Bangkok 31°C (87°F)
Typical Weather for Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Bangkok | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.