Are you considering a move to Chiang Mai, Thailand, and wondering about the cost of living? Chiang Mai is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Chiang Mai and help you understand whether $1297 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $541.41.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
1.72 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
16.04 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.73 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.08 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.44 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.56 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.53 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.32 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.63 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.37 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.18 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
13.96 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
2.27 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
11.67 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.62 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.2 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.4 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.74 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.29 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.86 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.47 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
14.32 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.78 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.09 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.01 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.86 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
22.92 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.15 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.29 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
2.86 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.18 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20768.28 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22964.47 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
53.03 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
19.37 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
35.97 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
6.68 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.87 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
453.56 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
11311.95 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
51.56 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
30.32 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
85.94 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
63.02 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
375.41 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
226.64 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
773.44 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
458.33 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1735.94 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
952.48 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
541.41 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
4.38 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Chiang Mai come to a total of approximately $1297. This includes an average monthly rent of around $375 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $62 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $498 per month.
Living in Chiang Mai appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $541.41. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Chiang Mai, you would likely need an income exceeding $541.41.
In Chiang Mai, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $541.41, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Chiang Mai is approximately $375. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $226.64 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Chiang Mai can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $399 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Thailand can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Thailand.
Since Thailand is a growingly popular tourist destination, Chiang Mai is also more visited than it used to be, and it's actually to be expected that pickpockets operate around the city, usually in crowded places filled with foreigners. Excessive vigilance is highly recommended.
Generally speaking, Chiang Mai is a safe city, though there are some scammers and petty thieves. You better apply all possible precautious measures, just in case you stumble upon them.
There is a great risk when it comes to transportation conditions in Chiang Mai. Thailand roads are the place where many motorbike accidents happen, especially in the mountainous areas of Chiang Mai. These places have completely new traffic rules for tourists, that they are not used to, which makes it difficult to be a part of the transportation system. Avoid public transport too, as this is where the pickpockets operate.
As for natural disasters, Chaing Mai is known for flooding and severe rainy seasons.
Kidnappings are not that often, though they have been reported. Muggings are also rare, but they're also possible, especially in the remote areas and the outskirts of the city.
Though there haven't been any recent terrorist attacks in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s main cities have been assessed as a medium-threat location for terrorist activity
There are two known scams in Chiang Mai: the gem scam, where they convince you to buy worthless gems for a lot of money; and the tuk-tuk scam, where a tuk-tuk driver tells you a tourist attraction you want to see is closed, and instead offers you a tour for - again - a lot of money, which usually consist of touring the gift shops.
Even though Chiang Mai could generally be considered a safe city for women, they are still highly advised to follow the basic rules of precaution. Avoid dark alleys, walking alone along with dark, poorly lit or deserted areas, or finding yourself late at night in areas filled with bars or clubs as you might receive some unwanted attention.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Chiang Mai, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
US citizens planning on traveling to Chiang Mai for less than 30 days do not need a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the date of arrival into this city. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Thailand embassy for further information.
Thai BAHT is the official currency of Chiang Mai. In this country and, by itself, this city, you should treat the money well: never step on a coin, or throw, tear or burn paper bills, because it shows disrespect to the royal family.
The climate in Chiang Mai is tropical, with mostly high temperatures and an abundance of humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit this city is between November and February.
Chiang Mai International Airport is an international airport serving Chiang Mai, the capital of the Chiang Mai Province in Thailand. It is currently the fourth busiest airport in the entire country. It is a gateway to Northern Thailand.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 85°F | 90°F | 95°F | 97°F | 93°F | 90°F | 88°F | 88°F | 88°F | 88°F | 86°F | 83°F |
| Temp | 71°F | 75°F | 81°F | 85°F | 83°F | 82°F | 81°F | 80°F | 80°F | 79°F | 76°F | 71°F |
| Low | 59°F | 62°F | 68°F | 74°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 75°F | 74°F | 72°F | 67°F | 61°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29°C | 32°C | 35°C | 36°C | 33°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 28°C |
| Temp | 21°C | 23°C | 27°C | 29°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 24°C | 21°C |
| Low | 15°C | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 23°C | 22°C | 19°C | 16°C |