Home › City costs › Chiang Mai vs Phuket
Chiang Mai vs Phuket: which is cheaper?
For a mid-range week for two, Chiang Mai is about 44% cheaper (excluding flights).
| 7-day trip | Chiang Mai | Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker (1 person) | $196 | $336 |
| Mid-range (2 people) | $1,022 | $1,820 |
| Comfort (2 people) | $3,150 | $5,250 |
Prices side by side
| Typical price (USD) | Chiang Mai | Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (mid-range room) | $40 | $70 |
| Hostel dorm bed | $10 | $15 |
| Food per day (mid-range) | $25 | $35 |
| Transport per day (mid-range) | $8 | $20 |
| Activities per day (mid-range) | $20 | $40 |
Best time to visit
Chiang Mai: November to February. Avoid March and April if you can: the burning season brings heavy smoke and haze.
Phuket: November to April (dry season, calm seas). May to October is monsoon season, with rougher seas and much lower prices.
Chiang Mai cost guide Phuket cost guide
Estimates for planning, checked 2026-10-11. Flights are not included because they depend on where you fly from.