Which is cheaper: Chiang Mai or Koh Samui?
Chiang Mai is generally cheaper on mid-range costs by about $18 per day compared with Koh Samui.
Chiang Mai vs Koh Samui
Cost comparison for travelers choosing between Chiang Mai, Thailand and Koh Samui, Thailand.
On mid-range budgets, Chiang Mai is currently cheaper than Koh Samui by about $18 per person per day.
This comparison page covers both directions (Chiang Mai vs Koh Samui and Koh Samui vs Chiang Mai).
| Style | Chiang Mai | Koh Samui | Avg Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $26-$32 | $31-$37 | $5 |
| Mid-Range | $80-$95 | $98-$113 | $18 |
| Luxury | $245-$295 | $295-$345 | $50 |
Follow-up Questions for Chiang Mai vs Koh Samui
How much is a 7-day mid-range trip in Chiang Mai vs Koh Samui?
Chiang Mai: $560-$665. Koh Samui: $686-$791.
Is the price gap mostly in budget or luxury travel?
Check the row-by-row table below. In many pairs, gaps are larger in luxury ranges than budget ranges.
Assumptions, Sources & Updates
- All figures are estimates based on a synthetic cost model — not exact prices.
- Comparison pages reuse the same city baseline dataset and show side-by-side modeled ranges.
- Daily budgets are per person and include: lodging, food, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous.
- International flights and intercity transport are not included.
- Season multipliers reflect typical demand patterns — actual seasonal variation depends on events and weather.
- Currency conversions use approximate fixed rates. Check current rates before traveling.
- Source types used in modeling include city baseline ranges, category allocation shares, and seasonality multipliers maintained in our internal dataset.
- Budget a 10–20% buffer above these estimates for unexpected expenses.
Model version: v1.0 · Last updated: 2026-02-26 · Dataset generated at build time