Cost of Living

What Does It Cost to Live in Thailand?

Practical cost estimates for planning a move to Thailand, with a detailed Bangkok vs Chiang Mai comparison and a calculator to build your own budget.

20,000–37,500
THB/month
Bangkok, lean single-person estimate
16,200–30,500
THB/month
Chiang Mai, lean single-person estimate
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City Comparison

Bangkok vs Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is generally cheaper, particularly for rent, while Bangkok offers stronger public transport, international connectivity and a wider range of services.

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Cost of Living Calculator

Build your own monthly budget across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. Adjust rent, food preferences, transport, and lifestyle to get a personalised estimate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Thailand per month?
It depends on the city and your lifestyle. For a single person, current planning ranges are about THB 20,000–37,500 a month for a lean lifestyle in Bangkok and THB 16,200–30,500 in Chiang Mai, rising to about THB 42,000–81,000 and THB 26,800–54,000 respectively for a more comfortable lifestyle. Use the cost of living calculator to build a budget for your own situation.
Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Bangkok?
Yes. Chiang Mai is generally cheaper than Bangkok, particularly for rent. Our October 2026 comparison puts rents roughly 40% lower and other everyday prices around 25% lower, although the gap varies by neighbourhood and lifestyle.