Which place is cheaper, Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang?
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 Shijiazhuang. 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 Shijiazhuang?
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.
Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang is the capital city of Hebei Province in China. It is a fairly young city, acting as the regional transport hub and economic center, though there are a few sights worth seeing. The city is also the largest pharmaceutical hub in China, as well as an important center for textile, IT, manufacturing, and chemical industries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesShijiazhuang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $61Shijiazhuang $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $61, while the average daily cost in Shijiazhuang is $91. 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 Shijiazhuang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Shijiazhuang $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Shijiazhuang $88
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Shijiazhuang
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Shijiazhuang? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.18Shijiazhuang $27
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 Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $143
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $190
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $25
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Hotel or Airport: $7.96
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $54
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfers by Private Car: $32
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $287
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Shijiazhuang?
Prices for flights to both Shijiazhuang 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 $21Shijiazhuang $32
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 $14Shijiazhuang $4.41
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.
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $13
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $13
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $15
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half-Day Boat Tour: $17
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $18
- Bua Thong Waterfalls Adventure Experience : $18
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour : $18
- Muay Thai Ticket Thapae Boxing Stadium Chiang Mai Live Fight: $19
- Chiang Mai Temples Visit Walking Tour with Ex-Monk Guide Part 2: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.78Shijiazhuang $5.21
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 Shijiazhuang, we can see that Shijiazhuang is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Shijiazhuang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shijiazhuang than you might in Chiang Mai.
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 Shijiazhuang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Shijiazhuang?
Shijiazhuang has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Shijiazhuang, 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 Shijiazhuang?
Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Shijiazhuang. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Shijiazhuang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Shijiazhuang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Shijiazhuang. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Shijiazhuang. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Shijiazhuang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shijiazhuang in the Autumn?
Both Shijiazhuang and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Shijiazhuang. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Shijiazhuang fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Shijiazhuang. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Shijiazhuang 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shijiazhuang in the Winter?
Both Shijiazhuang and Chiang Mai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Shijiazhuang. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Shijiazhuang in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Shijiazhuang fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in January than Shijiazhuang. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Shijiazhuang -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shijiazhuang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Shijiazhuang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Shijiazhuang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Shijiazhuang averages at about 15°C (60°F).
In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Shijiazhuang. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Shijiazhuang 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Shijiazhuang and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Shijiazhuang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.