Home › City costs › Chiang Mai vs Penang (George Town)
Chiang Mai vs Penang (George Town): which is cheaper?
For a mid-range week for two, Penang (George Town) is about 3% cheaper (excluding flights).
| 7-day trip | Chiang Mai | Penang (George Town) |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker (1 person) | $196 | $203 |
| Mid-range (2 people) | $1,022 | $987 |
| Comfort (2 people) | $3,150 | $2,730 |
Prices side by side
| Typical price (USD) | Chiang Mai | Penang (George Town) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (mid-range room) | $40 | $45 |
| Hostel dorm bed | $10 | $12 |
| Food per day (mid-range) | $25 | $25 |
| Transport per day (mid-range) | $8 | $8 |
| Activities per day (mid-range) | $20 | $15 |
Best time to visit
Chiang Mai: November to February. Avoid March and April if you can: the burning season brings heavy smoke and haze.
Penang (George Town): December to February is the driest. Penang is good to visit year-round; it rains briefly most afternoons from April to October.
Chiang Mai cost guide Penang (George Town) cost guide
Estimates for planning, checked 2026-10-11. Flights are not included because they depend on where you fly from.