vs
Chiang Maiis 9% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (39/10) vs Siargao "Fair" (44/10). Dorms avg $14/night vs $17/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
🇵🇭 Siargao
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 9.6 rating
★★★★★
18 hostels, avg 9.3 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $41/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $66/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $1.96, dorms avg $14
★★★★★
Coffee $2.03, dorms avg $17
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.41, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.18, 18 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
19 attractions
★★★★★
17 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Chiang Mai | 🇵🇭 Siargao | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $14 cheaper | $15 | $1/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $29 | $26 cheaper | $4/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $60 | $44 cheaper | $16/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Chiang Mai | 🇵🇭 Siargao |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $2.09 40% less | $3.46 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $10.05 | $8.70 13% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.41 | $1.18 51% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.96 3% less | $2.03 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.96 | $0.26 73% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇭▼
Chiang Mai
Thailand
39
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelAngmo Hostel By Amaka (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels15
🇵🇭▼
Siargao
Philippines
44
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $17/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelSoffta Surf Ranch (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels18
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
🇵🇭 Siargao
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Chiang Mai & Siargao
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
35°C
High
/
22°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 11mm/month
Best months: Jan, Nov, Dec
🇵🇭 Siargao
28°C
High
/
26°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 204mm/month
Best months: Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
1. Buddhist Manuscript Library and MuseumFree
2. Khru Ba Srivijaya MonumentFree
3. Ku LuaFree
4. San Ku RuinsFree
5. Thapae GateFree
🇵🇭 Siargao
1. Bent Palm Tree - Maasin BridgeFree
2. Caridad BeachFree
3. Coconut ViewpointFree
4. Magpupungko Tidal LagoonsFree
5. Philippine Crocodile Habitat viewpointFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Chiang Mai or Siargao cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Chiang Mai vs Siargao?+
Do I need a visa for Chiang Mai or Siargao?+
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Siargao?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Chiang Mai and Siargao?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds