Home › City costs › Phuket vs Chiang Mai
Phuket vs Chiang Mai: which is cheaper?
For a mid-range week for two, Chiang Mai is about 44% cheaper (excluding flights).
| 7-day trip | Phuket | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker (1 person) | $336 | $196 |
| Mid-range (2 people) | $1,820 | $1,022 |
| Comfort (2 people) | $5,250 | $3,150 |
Prices side by side
| Typical price (USD) | Phuket | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (mid-range room) | $70 | $40 |
| Hostel dorm bed | $15 | $10 |
| Food per day (mid-range) | $35 | $25 |
| Transport per day (mid-range) | $20 | $8 |
| Activities per day (mid-range) | $40 | $20 |
Best time to visit
Phuket: November to April (dry season, calm seas). May to October is monsoon season, with rougher seas and much lower prices.
Chiang Mai: November to February. Avoid March and April if you can: the burning season brings heavy smoke and haze.
Phuket 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.