Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Tiberias?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tiberias or Chiang Mai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tiberias or Chiang Mai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tiberias or Chiang Mai?
Tiberias
Tiberias is a major tourist destination in Israel. It's positioned on the western side of the Sea of Galilee and is a popular spot for Israeli and international tourists alike. The town itself offers great views of the beautiful blue waters and the surrounding green hills. Tiberias is also considered to be one of the Jewish Four Holy Cities. Many people also use Tiberias as a jumping off point to explore the Golan Heights area.
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 3-Day Tours from Jerusalem, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Jerusalem, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTiberias $87Chiang Mai $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Tiberias is $87, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $45. 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 Tiberias and Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTiberias $55Chiang Mai $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTiberias $110Chiang Mai $52
Compare Hotels in Tiberias and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Tiberias 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: Tiberias Hotel Prices and Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tiberias $4.55Chiang Mai $3.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
-
Moped Rental$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2-Day Transfer Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai by Sleeper Bus : $83
- ATV Riding and Grand Canyon Chiang Mai Include Pickup Transfer: $90
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $270
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $195
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfalls transfer: $22
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $27
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $77
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Airport PRIVATE Arrival or Departure Transfer : $21
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $10
Is it cheaper to fly into Tiberias or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Tiberias 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 dayTiberias $28Chiang Mai $10
Typical Food Prices in Tiberias
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tiberias:
-
Lunch for Two$5.30
-
Pastry$1.86
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
-
Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.32
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
-
Casual Breakfast$1.09
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
-
Mangoes$0.82
-
Coffee$1.36
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 : $11
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
- Half-Day Cooking Class with Market Tour: $27
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tiberias $10Chiang Mai $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tiberias
Here are a few typical costs in Tiberias for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two Bikes for Day$32
Tours and Activities in Tiberias
Here are a few actual costs in Tiberias for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Culinary Day Tour of the Galilee: $287
- Haifa Shore Excursion: Nazareth and the Galilee - for cruise ship guests only: $115
- Safed Wine & Cheese Tour: $250
- Shabbat Experience in Tzfat with Wine Pairing: $160
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Thai Cooking Class$35
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.64
-
Kratong Lessons$2.73
-
Pedicure$4.09
-
Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.65
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
- Best seller!! Amazing Night tour, Doi Suthep + Wat umong - Top Must visit!: $18
- Historical and Cultural Highlights Walking Tour: $19
- Guided Chiang Mai City Night Tour by EV Tram: $19
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTiberias $17Chiang Mai $6.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$2.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tiberias and Chiang Mai, we can see that Tiberias is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tiberias 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 Tiberias would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tiberias 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 Tiberias Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tiberias or Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tiberias. When comparing the sizes of Tiberias 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.
When is the best time to visit Tiberias or Chiang Mai?
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 Tiberias or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
Both Chiang Mai and Tiberias during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tiberias because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tiberias usually gets less rain in July than Chiang Mai. Tiberias gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Tiberias. In the summer, Tiberias often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Tiberias gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun.
Tiberias is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Tiberias averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTiberias 28°C (82°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Tiberias or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tiberias and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tiberias year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tiberias usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Tiberias gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In Tiberias, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tiberias usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during autumn. Tiberias gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Tiberias is cooler than Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tiberias in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTiberias 24°C (75°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tiberias or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tiberias as well as Chiang Mai. Tiberias attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Tiberias usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Tiberias gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Tiberias often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Tiberias gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun.
In January, Tiberias is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Tiberias average around 14°C (57°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTiberias 14°C (57°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Tiberias or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
Both Chiang Mai and Tiberias are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tiberias throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. In April, Tiberias usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Tiberias gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tiberias. Tiberias usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chiang Mai during spring. Tiberias gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Tiberias is much colder than Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Tiberias averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTiberias 20°C (68°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Tiberias
| Tiberias | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.