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Chiang Rai vs Chiang Mai

Thailand vs Thailand · 153 km apart

Chiang Rai

Thailand

฿17,520 ($480)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Chiang Mai

Thailand

฿20,194 ($553)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseChiang RaiChiang MaiCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$4.80$5.47Chiang Rai
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$19.20$21.89Chiang Rai
Cappuccino$1.44$1.64Chiang Rai
Monthly groceries (single person)$109$124Chiang Rai
Monthly public transport pass$17.60$20.06Chiang Rai
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$46.40$52.90Chiang Rai
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$13.44$15.32Chiang Rai
Fitness club membership$13.44$15.32Chiang Rai
Cinema ticket$3.52$4.01Chiang Rai
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$230$271Chiang Rai
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$160$188Chiang Rai
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$480$565Chiang Rai
Total single-person budget$480$553Chiang Rai
Average net salary$650$741

Verdict

Chiang Rai is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Chiang Rai runs about $480 versus $553 in Chiang Mai — a difference of roughly 15%.

Salary-adjusted, Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Rai  ·  Full cost of living in Chiang Mai

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chiang Rai cheaper than Chiang Mai?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $480 per month in Chiang Rai versus $553 in Chiang Mai — about 15% less.
How far is Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?
The straight-line distance between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai is approximately 153 km (95 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai?
The estimated average net salary is $650 in Chiang Rai and $741 in Chiang Mai. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $170 in Chiang Rai versus $188 in Chiang Mai per month.