Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Tel Aviv?
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 Tel Aviv or Chiang Mai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv or Chiang Mai, 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: Tel Aviv or Chiang Mai?
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.
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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Tel Aviv Prices
Israel PricesChiang Mai Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTel Aviv $195Chiang Mai $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $195, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $58. 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 Tel Aviv and Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTel Aviv $106Chiang Mai $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTel Aviv $212Chiang Mai $58
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv 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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices and Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tel Aviv $11Chiang Mai $3.97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:
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Local Bus to Central Bus Station$1.93
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Taxi to Airport$49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:
- Haifa to Tel Aviv or (TLV) Airport Transfers (Arrival/Departure): $290
- Tel Aviv Airport TLV Private transfer to Tel Aviv in Luxury Van: $287
- Tel Aviv Prvate Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport TLV in Luxury Van: $287
- Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $249
- Tel Aviv Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $240
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Haifa Cruise Port: $225
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv hotels to Haifa Cruise Port: $225
- Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $210
- Private Transfer: Jerusalem Hotels ↔ Ben Gurion Airport: $210
- Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Jerusalem - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $183
- Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $183
- Private Airport Transfer - Great Service: $183
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$1.19
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Moped Rental$5.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Baan Tawai Woodcarving Workshop with Transfers from Chiang Mai: $61
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $69
- Chiang Mai 2026 Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival with Transfer: $95
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $138
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $183
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer with Hotel Drop-off: $29
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Van Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $38
- Chiang Mai Airport To / From Hotel with Private Transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer CNX and Chiang Mai Hotels: $21
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer CNX and Chiang Mai Hotels: $21
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Tel Aviv 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 dayTel Aviv $59Chiang Mai $20
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:
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Dinner for Two$28
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Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka$159
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Lunch at Segev Sarona$42
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Aroma Iced Coffee$4.59
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Lunch at the airport$39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.
- Carmel Market Food Tour: $45
- Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
- Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
- Carmel Market Food Tour: $75
- Levinsky Market Food Tour: $145
- Food Tour of Sarona Market and Azraeli Center: $165
- Christmas Eve Tour Jerusalem and Bethlehem Dinner from Tel Aviv: $180
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)$5.82
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.72
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Casual Breakfast$1.19
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.97
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Mangoes$0.90
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Coffee$1.49
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 Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Chiang Mai Lanna Thai Cooking Class with Mae Malai Market: $27
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class: $27
- Chiang Mai Cooking Class Adventure Tour: $27
- Evening Thai cooking class: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $27
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $27
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $27
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $27
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tel Aviv $28Chiang Mai $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv
Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Masada tour from Tel Aviv$97
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Etzel museum$4.91
Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv
Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-Hour Private Morning Bike Tour: $300
- 30-minute Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $29
- Airport to City Public Transit Experience Israel: $150
- An underground mistery - German Colony of Sarona Walking Tour: $75
- Ben Yehuda 7, Private Bike Tour with Yalla Bikes: $90
- Best of Tel Aviv, Jaffa & Carmel Market Tour: $89
- Best of the West Bank Tour from Tel Aviv: $167
- Bethlehem Tour from Tel Aviv: $85
- Bethlehem, Jerusalem Desert and Monasteries Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: $125
- Caesarea Haifa and Akko Tour from Tel Aviv: $99
- Caesarea, Haifa, Akko & Rosh Hanikra Full Day Private Tour: $1,662
- Carmel Market Tasting Tour: $78
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$39
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.79
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Kratong Lessons$2.98
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Pedicure$4.48
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.37
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.55
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $6.11
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $12
- Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Interactive 3D Museum Experience: $14
- Chiang Mai Old City Temple Tour: $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Mae Ping Cruise and Farmer’s House Visit: $18
- Best Seller! Doi Suthep & Wat Umong Night Tour: $19
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half Day Boat Tour: $19
- Chiang Mai River Cruise with Thai Farmers House and Khao Soi: $19
- Chiang Mai 2-Hr Canal Cruise Local Village and Thai Herb Garden: $20
- Chiang Mai 2-Hr Canal Tour: Local Life & Thai Herb Garden: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTel Aviv $27Chiang Mai $7.39
Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $27
- Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $30
- Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $32
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$2.98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Chiang Mai, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv 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.
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.