Cost of living in Thailand for expats
A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Thailand — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Chiang Mai.
$1,100–1,700
One person, all-in, in Chiang Mai
$300–700
1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month
Budget
under ~$1,500/mo
What makes Thailand stand out, and what to watch for
Why expats choose Thailand
Legendary value in Chiang Mai — cheap rent, $2 street food and a massive nomad community — while Bangkok offers a bigger-city version for a bit more.
Watch out for
Bangkok rents run roughly double Chiang Mai's, and the long-term-visa picture and the annual burning season up north are worth factoring in.
Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.
Cost of living elsewhere in Asia
| Country | Monthly budget |
|---|---|
| Vietnam | $900–1,500 |
| Malaysia | $1,100–1,700 |
| Indonesia | $1,300–2,200 |
| Philippines | $1,000–1,600 |
| Japan | $2,000–3,500 |
| South Korea | $1,500–2,600 |
Thailand, side by side
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