🇹🇭Cost of Living in Chiang Mai
Thailand · Population: 1,200,000 · Cost Index: 28/100
Cost of Living in Chiang Mai
Thailand · Asia
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains and home to hundreds of ornate Buddhist temples. It has become one of the world's top destinations for digital nomads thanks to its extremely low cost of living, fast internet, and vibrant cafe culture.
1,200,000
Population
28
Cost Index
72
Safety Index
65
Quality of Life
Average Monthly Cost: $700 (single person, excluding rent)
Cost Breakdown
Housing
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$320.001-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$180.003-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$650.003-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$380.00Food & Groceries
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$14.00McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.50Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.50Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.10Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.40Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.50Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.80Transportation
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$0.00One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.60Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.00Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.30Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10Utilities
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$60.00Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$10.00Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$15.00Healthcare
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$12.00Dentist Visit(per visit)
$15.00Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$5.00Entertainment
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$28.00Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.00Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.20Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50Clothing
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$35.00Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$18.00Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00Compare Chiang Mai with another city
See how Chiang Mai stacks up against any other city in our database.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- THB
- Language
- Thai
- Cost Index
- 28/100
- Safety Index
- 72/100
- Quality of Life
- 65/100
Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.