A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Chennai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sukhothai or Chennai?

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 Sukhothai and Chennai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Chennai?

Sukhothai

If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.

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 Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Sukhothai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sukhothai is $59, while the average daily cost in Chennai is $29. 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 Sukhothai and Chennai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sukhothai $23
    Chennai $15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sukhothai $46
    Chennai $30
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Chennai

Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai or Chennai? 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.

Hotels in Sukhothai


Hotels in Chennai


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: Sukhothai Hotel Prices and Chennai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sukhothai $17
    Chennai $2.61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sukhothai

Also for Sukhothai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $322
  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $268
  • One -Way Private Transfer to Chiang Mai: $187
  • Sukhothai Hotel Transfer: to/from Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: $159
  • Sukhothai : private car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $138
  • Sukhothai airport: Transfer to Sukhothai Historical Park: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $246
  • Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
  • Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
  • Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
  • Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $15
  • Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
  • Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Chennai?

Prices for flights to both Chennai and Sukhothai 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 day
    Sukhothai $19
    Chennai $6.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2 Hour Street Food Tour in Sowcarpet Chennai : $37
  • Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
  • Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai : $48
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Menna: $54
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
  • Traditional Tamil Brahmin Vegetarian Cooking Lesson with a Local in Her Home: $74
  • Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
  • Private 3-Hour Cooking Lesson and Meal in Chennai: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sukhothai $33
    Chennai $2.77

Tours and Activities in Sukhothai

For Sukhothai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cycling Sukhothai Full Day Countryside Tour: $32
  • 2.5-Hours Guided Countryside Sunset Bike Tour: $18
  • Full-Day Historical Park Cycling Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Half-Day Countryside Bike Tour: $26
  • Historical Park & Countryside Cycling Tour: $42

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

  • St Thomas Mount Tour Chennai: $85
  • Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $44
  • Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
  • Chennai Delights: Exploring the Best of the City Tour: $198
  • Chennai Food Tasting Trails (2 Hour Guided Tour Experience): $26
  • Chennai Full Day Guided Tour in a Private Car: $120
  • Chennai Full Day Sightseeing in a Private Car: $70
  • Chennai Half Day Guided Tour in a Private Car: $100
  • Chennai Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Chennai Night Walk Tour ( 2 hours guided walking tour): $16
  • Chennai Shore Excursion - Full Day Private Chennai Guided Tour: $80
  • Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sukhothai $12
    Chennai $3.08


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Chennai, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Sukhothai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sukhothai than you might in Chennai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Chennai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Chennai?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Chennai, 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.