Hua Hin vs Chiang Mai on THB 1,500,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026

On a gross salary of THB 1,500,000 a year, a single employee takes home THB 107,677 a month in Hua Hin (86% of gross) and THB 107,677 a month in Chiang Mai (86%), after income tax and social security contributions.

Chiang Mai is 8% cheaper than Hua Hin overall (cost-of-living index 19.7 vs 21.5, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about THB 15,560 a month in Chiang Mai and THB 19,125 in Hua Hin, which leaves THB 92,117 and THB 88,552 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about THB 83,863 a month in Chiang Mai — this salary leaves THB 23,814 a month on top.

By category, groceries cost 8% less in Chiang Mai than in Hua Hin, eating out 15% less and rent 29% less.

Hua Hin Chiang Mai
Gross salary per yearTHB 1,500,000THB 1,500,000
Take-home pay per monthTHB 107,677THB 107,677
One-bedroom rent, city centreTHB 19,125THB 15,560
Left after rentTHB 88,552THB 92,117
Cost-of-living index (New York = 100)21.519.7

How each figure is taxed: Thailand tax calculator and Thailand tax calculator. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.

Questions about Hua Hin vs Chiang Mai

Is Chiang Mai, Thailand more expensive than Hua Hin, Thailand?

Chiang Mai, Thailand is 8% cheaper than Hua Hin, Thailand overall. On a gross salary of ฿1,500,000 a year, you take home ฿107,677 a month in Hua Hin, Thailand and ฿107,677 a month in Chiang Mai, Thailand after income tax and social contributions.

How much can I save living in Chiang Mai, Thailand vs Hua Hin, Thailand?

Keeping the same standard of living as in Hua Hin, Thailand, you could save about ฿23,814 a month (฿285,770 a year) in Chiang Mai, Thailand on this salary, after rent and living costs.

What taxes will I pay in Thailand vs Thailand?

On ฿1,500,000 gross a year you take home ฿107,677 a month in Thailand and ฿107,677 a month in Thailand. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.