Which place is cheaper, Bali or Pai?
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 Pai or Bali?
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 Pai and Bali. 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: Pai or Bali?
Pai
As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.
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Pai Prices
Thailand PricesBali Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Bali $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Bali is $85. 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 Pai and Bali in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Bali $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Bali $80
Compare Hotels in Pai and Bali
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Bali? 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: Pai Hotel Prices and Bali Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Bali $8.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Denpasar HTL-APT(DPS) : $8.88
- Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
- Ride Bali ATV Adventure Ticket And Transfer: $34
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $32
- Paragliding In Bali With Private Hotel Transfer: $140
- Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
- LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58
- Denpasar Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $25
- Bali Water Sport : Sea Walker,Donut Boat and Banana Boat with Hotel Transfers: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Bali?
Prices for flights to both Bali and Pai 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 dayPai $42Bali $34
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.19
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Lunch for Two$13
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Bali Cafe for Two$26
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Lunch for Two$7.75
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Lunch for 2$8.59
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Dinner for 2$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Bali include Sunset: $21
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $36
- Padang-Padang Beach+ Uluwatu Sunset and Kecak Dance + Dinner: $49
- South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
- Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
- Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
- Exotic North Bedugul, Tanah Lot, and Jimbaran Seafood Dinner: $65
- Bali Street Food Tour: $65
- Bali Romantic Dinner Jimbaran beach: $76
- Sidemen Cooking Class: $77
- Pure Bali Village Experience, Cooking & Jamu Class+VIP Transfer: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $46Bali $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$52
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Snorkelling Trip$12
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Cooking School$27
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $55
- Legendary Scenic Spots Of Nusa Penida Private Guided Day Tour: $37
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive): $129
- Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
- 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
- 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
- 6-Hour White Water Rafting and Kanto Lampo Waterfall Private Tour: $79
- ATV Rock Adventure with Optional Uluwatu Temple : $35
- Alas Harum Bali Cretya Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Swing Ticket: $25
- Amazing Experience ATV Quad Bike with Bali Swing : $75
- Amazing Private Tour: Lempuyang temple, Tirta gangga, Tukad cepung waterfall: $60
- Bali ATV (Quad) Adventure - Best and Challenging : $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Bali $3.07
When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Bali, we can see that Pai 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 Pai Expensive? and Is Bali Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Bali?
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 Pai or Bali in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Pai as well as Bali. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Pai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. In the summer, Pai often gets less sunshine than Bali. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Pai is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Pai or Bali in the Autumn?
Both Bali and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Bali is October to March. It's quite rainy in Pai. In October, Pai usually receives more rain than Bali. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Bali. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives less sunshine than Bali during autumn. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Pai is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Pai or Bali in the Winter?
Both Bali and Pai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Pai usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Pai. In the winter, Pai often gets more sunshine than Bali. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.
Pai is around the same temperature as Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Bali 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Pai or Bali in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Bali. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
April to September in Bali is the dry season. In April, Pai usually receives less rain than Bali. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Bali during spring. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is a little warmer than Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Bali and Pai
| Pai | Bali | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.