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Bangkok vs Chiang Mai

Thailand vs Thailand · 584 km apart

Bangkok

Thailand

฿23,291 ($638)

single / month

VS

Chiang Mai

Thailand

฿20,194 ($553)

single / month

Cheaper overall

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseBangkokChiang MaiCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6.24$5.47Chiang Mai
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$24.96$21.89Chiang Mai
Cappuccino$1.87$1.64Chiang Mai
Monthly groceries (single person)$141$124Chiang Mai
Monthly public transport pass$22.88$20.06Chiang Mai
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$60.32$52.90Chiang Mai
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$17.47$15.32Chiang Mai
Fitness club membership$17.47$15.32Chiang Mai
Cinema ticket$4.58$4.01Chiang Mai
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$319$271Chiang Mai
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$222$188Chiang Mai
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$666$565Chiang Mai
Total single-person budget$638$553Chiang Mai
Average net salary$845$741

Verdict

Chiang Mai is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Bangkok runs about $638 versus $553 in Chiang Mai — a difference of roughly 13%.

Salary-adjusted, Bangkok leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Bangkok  ·  Full cost of living in Chiang Mai

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bangkok cheaper than Chiang Mai?
No. Bangkok costs an estimated $638 per month for a single person, about 13% more than Chiang Mai at $553.
How far is Bangkok from Chiang Mai?
The straight-line distance between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is approximately 584 km (363 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Bangkok or Chiang Mai?
The estimated average net salary is $845 in Bangkok and $741 in Chiang Mai. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $207 in Bangkok versus $188 in Chiang Mai per month.