Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Chiang Mai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Chiang Mai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Chiang Mai?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Chiang Mai $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, 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 Zanzibar and Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Chiang Mai $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Chiang Mai $52
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Chiang Mai $3.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- From Mystery Day Safari with Transfer: $500
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Kiwengwa: $200
- Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
- Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
- Private Return Transfer From Zanzibar Airport To Paje: $140
- Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
- Ferry Zanzibar :Transfer services: $120
- Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110
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$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
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: $273
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfalls transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Four Seasons Hotel: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $27
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $17Chiang Mai $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Half-Day Kuza Cave Swimming Adventure and Cooking Class: $13
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
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)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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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 Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Chiang Mai $13
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $130
- Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
- Zanzibar Spice Tour : $47
- 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
- 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $538
- 3 HOURS PRISON ISLAND TOUR IN ZANZIBAR: $60
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
- 3-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari & Cultural tour with Flight: $1,345
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $26
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$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
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: $7.73
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $12
- 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
- Tweechol Botanic Garden Half Day Adventure : $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 2 Hrs: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Chiang Mai $6.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
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$2.72
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!: $9.55
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Chiang Mai, we can see that Zanzibar 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. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Chiang Mai is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
Both Chiang Mai and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar 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. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Chiang Mai. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Zanzibar is cooler than Chiang Mai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar 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, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 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 Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Chiang Mai. Zanzibar 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. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 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. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Chiang Mai in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
Both Chiang Mai and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar 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. It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 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. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Zanzibar is cooler than Chiang Mai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.