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Cost of living in Chiang Mai
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Chiang Mai.
One person, a month
THB 19,325
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
THB 69,239
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
THB 15,350
A month
Gross salary, one person
THB 364,000
to cover living costs in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's cost of living at a glance
Chiang Mai is among the less expensive cities in Thailand but among the more expensive cities in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Chiang Mai are THB 19,325, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are THB 69,239 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Chiang Mai may need a gross salary of at least THB 364,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in THB, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Chiang Mai compares
One person's monthly costs in Chiang Mai, excluding rent, are 6.2% lower than in the typical city in Thailand and 36.2% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Chiang Mai ranks
In Thailand
7th of 10
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
144th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
24th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 24% of 1,942 cities: one of the more affordable cities.
One-bedroom rent, centre
7th of 10
Cities in Thailand, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Chiang Mai
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Chiang Mai | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | THB 15,350 | THB 16,817 −8.7% | THB 24,952 −38.5% |
| Groceries | THB 7,114 | THB 7,589 −6.3% | THB 9,441 −24.6% |
| Eating out | THB 1,864 | THB 2,510 −25.7% | THB 5,316 −64.9% |
| Transport | THB 1,858 | THB 786 +136.4% | THB 1,344 +38.2% |
| Utilities | THB 2,683 | THB 3,069 −12.6% | THB 5,869 −54.3% |
| Leisure | THB 1,513 | THB 2,272 −33.4% | THB 2,083 −27.4% |
| Total excluding rent | THB 19,325 | THB 20,594 −6.2% | THB 30,297 −36.2% |
| Total including rent | THB 34,675 | THB 37,994 −8.7% | THB 56,227 −38.3% |
Typical = the median of 10 cities in Thailand and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Chiang Mai
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the 4th cheapest city in Thailand for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Thailand is Si Racha.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 15,350 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs THB 9,055 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 70% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | THB 15,350 | THB 10,324– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | THB 9,055 | THB 5,162– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | THB 30,913 | THB 18,584– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | THB 17,869 | THB 12,389– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | THB 67,233 | THB 41,298– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | THB 50,197 | THB 46,336– |
Cost of everyday items in Chiang Mai
Groceries in Chiang Mai are around 9% cheaper than the average for Thailand, while eating out is around 27% cheaper than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs THB 60.49.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs THB 58.14.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs THB 150.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | THB 60.49 | THB 45.37– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | THB 58.14 | THB 30.92– |
| Eggs, 12 large | THB 71.92 | THB 46.38– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | THB 513 | THB 258– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | THB 99.81 | THB 72.25– |
| Beef round, 1kg | THB 351 | THB 206– |
| Apples, 1kg | THB 87.38 | THB 25.88– |
| Oranges, 1kg | THB 57.80 | THB 30.92– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | THB 42.01 | THB 30.92– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | THB 27.89 | THB 16.47– |
| White rice, 1kg | THB 38.98 | THB 20.50– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | THB 48.39 | THB 20.50– |
| Bananas, 1kg | THB 32.60 | THB 20.50– |
| Onions, 1kg | THB 36.29 | THB 20.50– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | THB 16.47 | THB 10.42– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | THB 619 | THB 310– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | THB 57.80 | THB 41.34– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 97.46 | THB 61.84– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | THB 150 | THB 124– |
Eating out in Chiang Mai
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | THB 61.84 | THB 51.75– |
| Three-course meal for two | THB 645 | THB 464– |
| Fast food combo meal | THB 258 | THB 181– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | THB 77.29 | THB 51.75– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 124 | THB 82.67– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 25.88 | THB 20.50– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | THB 11.09 | THB 9.41– |
| Cappuccino | THB 59.48 | THB 25.88– |
Transport in Chiang Mai
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | THB 30.92 | THB 20.50– |
| Monthly public transport pass | THB 1,858 | THB 1,858–THB 1,858 |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | THB 44.36 | THB 36.29– |
| Taxi start | THB 41.34 | THB 41.34– |
| Taxi, per km | THB 30.92 | THB 6.05– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | THB 61.84 | THB 61.84– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | THB 722,710 | THB 722,710– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | THB 910,958 | THB 910,958– |
Utilities in Chiang Mai
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | THB 2,200 | THB 1,549– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | THB 622 | THB 516– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | THB 466 | THB 206– |
How is Chiang Mai for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of THB 1,139,000 a year in Chiang Mai, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs THB 27,155 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 30,913 a month.
Chiang Mai scores 78/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | THB 69,239 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | THB 100,152 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | THB 27,155 | THB 19,960– |
| International primary school Annual | THB 514,994 | THB 361,355– |
Leisure and clothing in Chiang Mai
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | THB 1,381 | THB 774– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | THB 132 | THB 61.84– |
| Cinema ticket | THB 238 | THB 134– |
| Jeans | THB 1,906 | THB 1,239– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | THB 863 | THB 619– |
| Nike running shoes | THB 3,285 | THB 2,065– |
| Men's leather business shoes | THB 2,658 | THB 1,549– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Chiang Mai?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Thailand, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Chiang Mai. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Chiang Mai, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
THB 363,908
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Chiang Mai, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- THB 340,567
- Living costs
- THB 340,567
- Tax and contributions
- THB 23,341
Where your salary goes
- Living costsTHB 340,56793.6%
- Income tax and contributionsTHB 23,3416.4%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | THB 363,908 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | THB 23,341 |
| = | Take-home pay | THB 340,567 |
| − | Rent | THB 108,662 |
| − | Groceries | THB 85,369 |
| − | Eating out | THB 22,365 |
| − | Transport | THB 22,301 |
| − | Utilities | THB 32,197 |
| − | Leisure | THB 18,155 |
| − | Other estimated costs | THB 51,518 |
| = | Left over: savings target | THB 0 |
THB 363,908 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 6.4% effective tax rate and THB 23,341 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
- Employee social contributions
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Chiang Mai costs an estimated THB 9,055 per month. THB 9,055 per month × 12 months = THB 108,662 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Chiang Mai spends an estimated THB 7,114 on groceries per month. THB 7,114 per month × 12 months = THB 85,369 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Chiang Mai spends an estimated THB 1,864 on eating out per month. THB 1,864 per month × 12 months = THB 22,365 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Chiang Mai spends an estimated THB 1,858 on transport per month. THB 1,858 per month × 12 months = THB 22,301 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Chiang Mai spends an estimated THB 2,683 on utilities per month. THB 2,683 per month × 12 months = THB 32,197 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Chiang Mai spends an estimated THB 1,513 on leisure per month. THB 1,513 per month × 12 months = THB 18,155 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. THB 4,293 per month × 12 months = THB 51,518 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Rates stable since 2013. Does not apply the employment income deduction (50% of income, max THB 100,000) or personal allowance (THB 60,000). Social security cap increased to THB 17,500/month from January 2026 (max contribution THB 875/month). Social security contributions are deductible from taxable income.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Thailand's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / Thai Revenue Department.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Chiang Mai: common questions
Is Chiang Mai expensive to live in?
Chiang Mai is among the less expensive cities in Thailand but among the more expensive cities in Asia.
A single person spends about THB 19,325 a month excluding rent, against THB 20,594 in the typical city in Thailand (the median of 10 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Chiang Mai costs the same as or more than 24% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it one of the more affordable cities.
What salary do you need to live in Chiang Mai?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least THB 364,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Chiang Mai, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Thailand's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Chiang Mai?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs THB 15,350 a month, and THB 9,055 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about THB 30,913 a month in the centre and THB 17,869 outside it.
Chiang Mai is the 4th cheapest city in Thailand for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Chiang Mai?
A family of four spends about THB 69,239 a month on living costs excluding rent, or THB 100,152 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of THB 1,139,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs THB 27,155 a month per child.
How does Chiang Mai compare with Thailand's other cities?
Chiang Mai ranks 7th of 10 cities in Thailand for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 6.2% less than in the typical city in Thailand.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Thailand 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Thailand (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 10 cities in Thailand in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Chiang Mai's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Thailand and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.