Chiang Mai, Thailand
Editor
March 12, 2023
Chiang Mai is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a vibrant and affordable city to call home. Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and low cost of living. With a population of over 1.7 million people, Chiang Mai is the largest city in the region and is home to a diverse range of cultures and religions. The city is also home to a thriving digital nomad community, with many digital nomads choosing to make Chiang Mai their home base. The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from its bustling night markets to its ancient temples and lush green mountains. The cost of living in Chiang Mai is also incredibly low, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment costing just $200 USD. Additionally, the city is well-connected to the rest of the world, with a number of international airports and direct flights to major cities around the world. With its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and easy access to the rest of the world, Chiang Mai is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a new home.
Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
80%
Quality of life -
25%
Cost of living -
80%
Connectivity -
76%
Weather
59
General
| Currency | THB |
| Population (in millions) | 1.7 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 135 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% cheaper |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Nimman, Hang Dong |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 70 |
| Top selling local beer | Singha |
| Most popular local dish | Khao Soi |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Doi Suthep, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar |
| Discount airline | AirAsia |
| Major airline | Thai Airways |
| Largest ride sharing company | Grab |
| Primary train stations | Chiang Mai Railway Station, Chiang Mai Arcade Station, Chiang Mai Gate Station |
| Primary airports | Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport, Lampang Airport |
| Best rental car company | Avis |
| Used car costs | 300000 THB |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Apple Store Chiang Mai is located at Central Festival Chiang Mai, 99/9 Moo 5, Super Highway, Tambon Chang Phuak, Amph |
| 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 | $14000 |
| Sales tax rate | 7% |
| Income tax rate | 0% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 30 |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 8.5% |
| 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 | 191 (general), 199 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 199 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 545 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 73 |
| Main religion | Buddhism |
Quality of life
80%
-
76%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
121%
Property to income -
24%
Crime -
84%
Healthcare -
76%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | THB 15,750 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 4.17% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | THB 15,833 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | THB 303,000 |
Cost of living
25%
-
Purchasing Power
32%
-
Rent
11%
-
Food
44%
-
Restaurant
17%
-
Workspace
77%
-
Transport
25%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | THB 12,000.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | THB 8,000.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | THB 28,250.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | THB 16,230.77 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | THB 233.33 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | THB 63.54 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | THB 46.62 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | THB 59.25 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | THB 618.75 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | THB 16.17 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | THB 525.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | THB 62.08 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | THB 120.62 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | THB 140.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | THB 69.25 |
| Apples (1kg) | THB 82.17 |
| Oranges (1kg) | THB 46.00 |
| Potato (1kg) | THB 44.38 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | THB 28.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | THB 39.38 |
| Tomato (1kg) | THB 54.50 |
| Banana (1kg) | THB 44.29 |
| Onion (1kg) | THB 36.25 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | THB 395.00 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | THB 50.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | THB 530.00 |
| 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 679.25 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | THB 1,286.67 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | THB 233.33 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | THB 200.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | THB 30.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | THB 800.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | THB 41.94 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | THB 750,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | THB 1,075,000.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | THB 45.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | THB 45.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | THB 120.00 |
