Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Chennai?
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 Chennai or Bangkok?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Bangkok? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Chennai or Bangkok?
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Chennai Prices
India PricesBangkok Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $32Bangkok $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $32, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $105. 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 Chennai and Bangkok in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Bangkok $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Bangkok $100
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Bangkok
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Bangkok? 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: Chennai Hotel Prices and Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.47Bangkok $6.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
- Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35
- Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
- Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
- Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
- Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
- Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $30
- 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,167
- Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
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:
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $237
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Aranyaprathet: $219
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Rayong: $204
- Ayutthaya Tour with Premium Transfer & MICHELIN Lunch: $195
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Pranburi: $191
- Bangkok Airport DMK to Kanchanaburi Round Trip Private Transfer: $191
- Private Transfer Bangkok to Koh Chang Pier: $186
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Kanchanaburi: $179
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Chanthaburi: $179
- Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Nakhon Ratchasima: $167
- Luxury VIP Transfer: Bangkok ↔ Pattaya in Majesty Platinum+ Van: $156
- Join Cycling in Bangkok (5 hrs) by Private Transfer: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Bangkok?
Prices for flights to both Bangkok and Chennai 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 dayChennai $11Bangkok $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ayurvedic or South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with an Author: $30
- South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $76
- Traditional Cooking Class in Chennai in a Local Home with Sundari: $78
- Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
- Private Chennai Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Fun Local: $89
- Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
- Private Market Tour and South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200
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
- Viva Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $24
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $27
- Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $28
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $28
- Royal Princess Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise from Bangkok: $31
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $31
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $31
- Luxury Riverside Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River Bangkok: $33
- Scenic Bangkok Unicorn Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya River: $33
- White Lotus Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok: $35
- Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.63Bangkok $18
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.51
- Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour from Delhi by Car – Fast Entry: $4.51
- Private Night Walking Tour Chennai: $12
- Walk and Explore Chennai City: Guided Tour by Foot: $13
- Explore Chennai City in Nightlights: Guided Tour by Foot: $13
- Spiritual Stories of Guided Tour through Holy Sites: $13
- Exploring Chennai Bustling Markets: Guided Tour by Foot: $13
- Chennai Heritage & Cultural Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $14
- Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $14
- Night Walking Tour of Chennai: $18
- Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour: $19
- Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $19
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:
- A Day in Ayutthaya: Private 5 UNESCO Temples Tour From Bangkok: $123
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok Hindu Landmark Tour with Grand Palace, Temples & Lunch: $166
- Damnoen Floating Market & Optional Erawan Water Waterfall Tour: $105
- Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $159
- Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $57
- Private Half-Day Bangkok City Tour explore The Grand Palace: $144
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $130
- 12-Hour Private Tour: Top Pattaya Attractions & Beach : $139
- 2 Days Pattaya Sunset Boat Party Tour: $142
- 2 Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Cultural Tour of Bangkok: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.92Bangkok $5.65
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:
- The Original Bangkok Pub Crawl: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Chennai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chennai Expensive? and Is Bangkok Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Bangkok?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Bangkok, 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.