Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Islamabad. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Islamabad?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesIslamabad Prices
Pakistan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $61Islamabad $51
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $61, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $51. 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 Chiang Mai and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Islamabad? 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.18Islamabad $7.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.26
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Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $287
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $220
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $190
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $143
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $54
- Chiang Mai Transfer to Houay Xay, Laos: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Karachi Airport Transfer, Airport Pick and Drop, Rent a Car KHI: $60
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $21Islamabad $25
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.12
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
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Casual Breakfast$1.26
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Mangoes$0.94
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Coffee$1.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Islamabad $9.25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$41
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
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Kratong Lessons$3.14
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Pedicure$4.71
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai ATV, Hiking and Rafting Adventure: $81
- Chiang Mai Half Day Rice Planting and Cultural Experience: $51
- Chiang Mai Trekking Tour :Full day (no rafting): $57
- Doi suthep temple & Hidden temple half day private tour(5 hrs.) : $48
- Skyline Jungle Luge and Zipline Adventure Chiang Mai: $58
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $156
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province : $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $191
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $86
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $172
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $138
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $95
- Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $120
- Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
- Explore Takht I Bahi and Peshawar Full Day Tour from Islamabad: $145
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- Full Day Islamabad & Taxila Tour: $78
- Full Day Islamabad Guided City Tour: $100
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $110
- Islamabad City Tour : $72
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.78Islamabad $2.82
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Islamabad, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Chiang Mai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Mai than you might in Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Islamabad?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Islamabad, 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.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Islamabad. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
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.