What is the cost of living in Chiang Mai?

The cost of living in Chiang Mai is 80.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 19.7). Groceries are 60.2% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 80.2% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately THB 15,560 per month. Local purchasing power index is 52.2 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Thailand?

In Thailand, a gross salary of THB 1,902,330 per year results in approximately THB 132,823 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 16.2%). Use our Thailand tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇹🇭 Thailand · #504 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Chiang Mai?

Q: Should I move to Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai, Thailand has a cost of living 80.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 19.7). It is ranked #504 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is weak (index: 52.2 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Thailand earning THB 1,902,330 gross take home approximately THB 132,823/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

80.3% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-80.3%

vs NYC

THB 15,560

1-BR, city centre

THB 132,823

Net take-home

Weak

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Chiang Mai?

Example: THB 1,902,330 gross/year in Thailand → THB 132,823/month net after tax (16.2% effective rate). Full Thailand tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Chiang Mai

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

19.7 Affordable

Rent

10.2 Very affordable

Groceries

39.8 Affordable

Restaurants

19.8 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

52.2 Weak

Rent in Chiang Mai

1-BR, city centre THB 15,560/mo

1-BR, outside centre THB 9,771/mo

3-BR, city centre THB 30,902/mo

3-BR, outside centre THB 18,430/mo

Save by going outside centre 37% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Thailand take-home pay

THB 1,902,330 → THB 132,823/Net take-home (16.2% effective rate, single filer)

Full Thailand tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇹🇭 Hua Hin

Thailand

CoL index 21.5

Compare Hua Hin vs Chiang Mai →

🇹🇭 Bangkok

Thailand

CoL index 26.0

Compare Bangkok vs Chiang Mai →

🇹🇭 Pattaya

Thailand

CoL index 26.5

Compare Pattaya vs Chiang Mai →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Chiang Mai after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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