Chiang Rai, Thailand
Editor
March 12, 2023
Chiang Rai is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and exciting place to work and explore. Located in the northernmost part of Thailand, Chiang Rai is a city of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its low cost of living, excellent infrastructure, and high-speed internet, Chiang Rai is an ideal place for digital nomads to live and work.The city is home to a variety of attractions, from ancient temples to modern shopping malls. Chiang Rai is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. The city is also home to a number of outdoor activities, such as trekking, mountain biking, and kayaking.Chiang Rai is also a great place to work, with a number of coworking spaces and digital nomad hubs. The city is home to a number of tech startups, and the cost of living is much lower than in other parts of Thailand. The city also has a number of international schools, making it a great place to raise a family.Chiang Rai is also a great place to explore, with a number of national parks and nature reserves. The city is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Golden Triangle, the White Temple, and the Black House. With its unique culture, stunning scenery, and low cost of living, Chiang Rai is an ideal destination for digital nomads.
Living in Chiang Rai, Thailand: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
78%
Quality of life -
53%
Cost of living -
73%
Connectivity -
81%
Weather
56
General
| Currency | THB |
| Population (in millions) | 1.2 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | Unranked |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% cheaper |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Mae Kha, Mae Sai |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 30 |
| Top selling local beer | Singha |
| Most popular local dish | Khao Soi |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Kaew, Golden Triangle |
| Discount airline | AirAsia |
| Major airline | Thai Airways |
| Largest ride sharing company | Grab |
| Primary train stations | Chiang Rai Railway Station, Chiang Khong Railway Station, Chiang Saen Railway Station |
| Primary airports | Chiang Rai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport, and Phu Chi Fa Airport |
| Best rental car company | Avis |
| Used car costs | 200000 THB |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Apple Store Chiang Rai is located at CentralPlaza Chiangrai, Moo 1, Tambon Robwieng, Amphoe Mueang Ch |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 10 Mbps |
| Power socket type | A,B,C |
| Supply voltage | 220V |
| Best electronics store | PowerBuy |
| Best internet carrier | True |
| Primary cellular carrier | AIS |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 500 THB |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Watsons |
| Best restaurant chain | Chiang Mai Kitchen |
| The best grocery store | Tesco Lotus |
| The most popular fashion brand | Uniqlo |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $7,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $14,000 |
| Sales tax rate | 7% |
| Income tax rate | 0% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 30 |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 6.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 1000 THB |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Kasikornbank |
| Average tip in restaurant | 10-15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 999 (general), 191 (police), 192 (ambulance), 199 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 97.5 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 73 |
| Main religion | Buddhism |
Quality of life
78%
-
86%
Safety, freedom, rights -
49%
Traffic -
179%
Property to income -
14%
Crime -
61%
Healthcare -
81%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | THB 11,167 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 4.9% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | THB 15,833 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | THB 250,000 |
Cost of living
53%
-
Purchasing Power
0%
-
Rent
9%
-
Food
44%
-
Restaurant
19%
-
Workspace
75%
-
Transport
12%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | THB 9,100.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | THB 5,375.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | THB 16,500.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | THB 17,000.00 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | THB 50.00 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | THB 63.54 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | THB 44.53 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | THB 54.00 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | THB 618.75 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | THB 13.67 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | THB 525.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | THB 62.08 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 93.33 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | THB 120.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | THB 69.25 |
| Apples (1kg) | THB 82.17 |
| Oranges (1kg) | THB 41.67 |
| Potato (1kg) | THB 44.38 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | THB 28.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | THB 31.67 |
| Tomato (1kg) | THB 31.67 |
| Banana (1kg) | THB 35.00 |
| Onion (1kg) | THB 35.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | THB 375.00 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | THB 40.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | THB 525.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | THB 200.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | THB 70.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 125.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 18.67 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 10.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | THB 54.27 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | THB 1,851.08 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | THB 1.41 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | THB 541.33 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | THB 1,466.67 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | THB 50.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | THB 190.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | THB 20.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | THB 1,000.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | THB 41.94 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | THB 630,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | THB 873,000.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | THB 45.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | THB 45.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | THB 120.00 |
