Home › City costs › Kuala Lumpur vs Chiang Mai
Kuala Lumpur vs Chiang Mai: which is cheaper?
For a mid-range week for two, Chiang Mai is about 10% cheaper (excluding flights).
| 7-day trip | Kuala Lumpur | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker (1 person) | $231 | $196 |
| Mid-range (2 people) | $1,134 | $1,022 |
| Comfort (2 people) | $3,290 | $3,150 |
Prices side by side
| Typical price (USD) | Kuala Lumpur | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (mid-range room) | $50 | $40 |
| Hostel dorm bed | $12 | $10 |
| Food per day (mid-range) | $28 | $25 |
| Transport per day (mid-range) | $10 | $8 |
| Activities per day (mid-range) | $18 | $20 |
Best time to visit
Kuala Lumpur: May to July and December to February are a little drier, but KL is warm all year with short afternoon showers.
Chiang Mai: November to February. Avoid March and April if you can: the burning season brings heavy smoke and haze.
Kuala Lumpur cost guide Chiang Mai cost guide
Estimates for planning, checked 2026-10-11. Flights are not included because they depend on where you fly from.