Edition 9 September 2026
Chiang Mai
A basic month in Chiang Mai runs $778. A comfortable one runs $1,584. Both are totals for one person, all in, including rent, at the rates of 8 September 2026.
Best value, burning season
- A basic month
- $778
- A comfortable month
- $1,584
- Visa
- DTV, 5 yrs
- Public transport
- None
- Air
- Worst here, Feb–Apr
Who Chiang Mai suits, and who it does not
Choose Chiang Mai if you want the most life per dollar. THB 52,100 ($1,584) a month buys a furnished one-bedroom near Nimman, food out most days, a scooter, insurance and a desk. The basic version runs THB 25,600 ($778) and it is a real life, not a survival budget. The city is small, walkable in parts and full of good cheap food. Forbes named it a top-eight city for remote workers in 2026.
Do not choose Chiang Mai if any of the following is you.
- You have asthma or any respiratory condition.
- You cannot leave for February to April.
- You will not ride a scooter.
- You need a Thai employer or Thai clients.
- You are buying to make money.
- You want choice at the top of the market.
The guide gives the reason behind each one, with its figures.
Where people actually live
- Nimmanhaemin and Suthep
- The Old City, inside the moat
- Santitham and Chang Phueak
- Chang Khlan, the riverside and Wat Ket
- Hang Dong and Mae Hia
- Mae Rim
- San Sai and Meechok
The rest of the city
Compare Chiang Mai
Thailand rules
Other cities in Thailand: Hua Hin, Pattaya, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket
Edition 9 September 2026. Every figure carries the date it was true and the source it came from. We last changed this page on 21 September 2026.