Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pai or Canberra?
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 Canberra. 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 Canberra?
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.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $64Canberra $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $64, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $133. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $14Canberra $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $28Canberra $164
Compare Hotels in Pai and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Canberra? 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 Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $37Canberra $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai
Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
- Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
- Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
- Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $117
- Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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 $21Canberra $34
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $40Canberra $17
Tours and Activities in Pai
For Pai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle Tipsy Tubing Experience with Shots: $6.76
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Canberra Floriade Tour: $118
- Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $149
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $111
- Best of Wildlife Tour: $88
- City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $117
- Capital Christmas: Private Festive Tour in Canberra: $642
- Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour: $864
- Discover Pearls of Canberra - Private Walking Tour: $133
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $13Canberra $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.08
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $98
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
- Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $121
- CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $147
- Canberra Wine Tour: $158
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Canberra, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Pai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pai is in Asia and Canberra is in Pacific, 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 Pai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pai 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra than you might in Pai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pai Expensive? and Is Canberra Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Canberra?
Canberra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Pai or Canberra in the Summer?
Both Canberra and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Pai is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPai 29°C (85°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Pai or Canberra in the Autumn?
Both Canberra and Pai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Pai is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Canberrain April. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPai 29°C (84°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Pai or Canberra in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Pai is much warmer than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPai 24°C (74°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Pai or Canberra in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Canberra. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.
The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.
Pai usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPai 32°C (89°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Pai
| Pai | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.