Which place is cheaper, Chengdu or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Chengdu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Chengdu 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: Bangkok or Chengdu?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $105Chengdu $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $105, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $67. 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 Bangkok and Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $50Chengdu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $100Chengdu $42
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Chengdu? 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.49Chengdu $6.02
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.51
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Skytrain Ticket$5.02
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$1.00
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Ferry Ride$0.82
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Taxi From Airport$7.85
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Short Taxi Ride$2.83
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Boat Taxi$1.57
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Trains to airport$5.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Affordable Bangkok Airport Transfer: $22
- Airport Private Transfers from Suvarnabhumi BKK to Bangkok City: $33
- Airport Transfer Camry/Fortuner or Similar : $45
- Airport Transfer Luxury Sedan Mercedes E Class BMW 5 Series: $98
- Airport Transfer to or from Hotel in Bangkok (Private Transport): $58
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $107
- Airport transfer to Bangkok downtown: $26
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $135
- Arrival Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok City by Sedan: $71
- Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $15
- Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Hotel Transfers: $85
- Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Authentic Chengdu Dining Experience with with Private Transfers: $60
- 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Leshan Giant buddha with Round Airport Transfer: $205
- Airport transfer between Tianfu(TFU) and Chengdu downtown: $45
- Chengdu 3-Day Self-Guided Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong with Transfer: $412
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu city - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Chengdu Airport Private Transfer With English Speaking Driver: $35
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $230
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Tour with Guide or Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $36Chengdu $38
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.28
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.41
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.94
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.28
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Pad Thai$2.20
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Airport Lunch for 2$17
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Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck Ticket with Lunch or Dinner : $22
- Meridian Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Bangkok: $23
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $29
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $29
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $32
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $32
- Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $32
- Riverside Bangkok Dinner Cruise with Buffet and City Views: $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals : $55
- Chengdu Hidden Street Food Tour Spice Trails: $60
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Market Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class: $70
- Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $75
- Half day Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Class Tour(Cooking 3 dishes): $75
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
- Half-Day Private Hot-Pot Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $18Chengdu $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$5.02
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.57
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.28
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Club Cover Charge$12
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$75
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Fish Pedicure$4.71
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.14
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Siriraj Museum (2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Thailand's Modern Politics: $5.00
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Bangkok's Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Bangkok City Session Walking Tour: $8.18
- Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $9.00
- Space and Time Cube Tickets in Bangkok: $9.66
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $10
- Erawan Museum Ticket (NON THAI): $10
- Half Day Coral Island Tour from Pattaya With Lunch: $11
- Erawan Museum at Bangkok Admission Ticket: $13
- Explore Brilliant Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour: $14
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Customize Your China Tour 2024/2025: $5.00
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Volunteer Day Trip: $9.50
- Chengdu Museum Tours & Tickets : $10
- Ticket reservation for Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base: $15
- Private Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket and Guide opt: $16
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Optional Private Tour: $16
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Panda Base Tour with Guide Option: $17
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $17
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Ticket for Adult: $18
- Panda Breeding Base Tickets Booking: $19
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Ticket pre-booking: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.65Chengdu $3.99
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Bangkok Pub Crawl: $17
- The Original Bangkok Pub Crawl: $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Local Food and Bar Crawl Night Tour : $128
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Chengdu, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok than you might in Chengdu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Chengdu?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Chengdu. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Chengdu, 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.
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.