A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chennai vs. Nakhon Ratchasima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chennai or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Chennai or Nakhon Ratchasima? 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 Nakhon Ratchasima?

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.

Nakhon Ratchasima

If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima or Chennai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Chennai Prices
    India Prices
    Nakhon Ratchasima Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chennai $32
    Nakhon Ratchasima $58

The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $32, while the average daily cost in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chennai $15
    Nakhon Ratchasima $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chennai $30
    Nakhon Ratchasima $44
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Nakhon Ratchasima

Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Nakhon Ratchasima? 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.

Hotels in Chennai


Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima


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 Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chennai $2.47
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
  • Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Mahabalipuram Hotels to Chennai Airport: $50
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
  • Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
  • 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,167
  • Chennai Private City and Airport Transfer : $29
  • Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $30
  • Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
  • Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.57
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.57

Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chennai $11
    Nakhon Ratchasima $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Meena: $54
  • 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
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chennai $2.63
    Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

  • Chennai to Temple Trail: Srikalahasti & Sri Venkateswara Tour: $103
  • Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide: $45
  • 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $586
  • A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $96
  • Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.51
  • Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
  • Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
  • British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai: $55
  • CHENNAI FULL DAY TOUR: $68
  • Chennai - Guided half day private city tour : $56
  • Chennai Cultural Day Tour with Mahabalipuram Drop: $86
  • Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chennai $2.92
    Nakhon Ratchasima $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chennai or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 4328060 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Nakhon Ratchasima, 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.

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