Thailand
Cost of Living in Chiang Mai
Frugal digital nomad: $600-800/month. Comfortable single: $1,000-1,400/month. Comfortable couple: $1,500-2,200/month. Scooter rental $60-100/month essential.
Monthly Total
$1,247
$21,823
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$575
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$22
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/14/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$575
$10,063
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$88
$1,540
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$140
$2,450
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$48
$840
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$90
$1,575
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$189
$3,308
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$80
$1,400
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$37
$648
Monthly Total
$1,247
$21,823
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Living in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai remains the best value destination for digital nomads. Studios from $170 in Old City, $285+ in trendy Nimman. Cooler climate means MUCH lower A/C costs than Bangkok—electricity often under $50/month.
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