How much does it cost to live in Bangkok per month?
For a single person, our current planning range is about THB 20,000–37,500 a month for a lean lifestyle and THB 42,000–81,000 for a more comfortable one, excluding items such as health insurance, visas and international travel. Use the calculator above to adjust the estimate for your own housing, food and transport choices.
Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Bangkok for expats?
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.
How much does a one-bedroom condo cost in Bangkok or Chiang Mai?
As a rounded guide, a one-bedroom condo in a central area is about THB 18,000–35,000 a month in Bangkok and THB 10,000–20,000 in Chiang Mai. Outer areas can be cheaper, and actual rents vary considerably by neighbourhood, building and lease terms.